Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Yuan was awake?

That doesn't make sense. He wasn't supposed to be… right. The system trapped him here. He felt his body to have the same fragility. He was so… weak in his body after that monster kidnapped him. So this body seemed to be far too unstable.

The cold emotion within him was there. He couldn't escape the desire to slit his own throat in his bones. Deep wash the wish to die. Clinging to every bone in his frail baby body.

But he felt… warm. There was something surrounding him that felt nice. He opened his eyes slowly to see two giants. Well, he was a baby right now. Both were tall men. One had dark brown hair with golden eyes and the other had black hair and… one eye?

"After the city of flowers I made for my beloved, you have blessed me with the single most beautiful one." The one eyed man spoke. Oh! This was mpreg. Guess he had two fathers this time.

…Wait. Was this Hualian? It certainly seemed so. All evidence was pointing to it. He just needed the other man to confirm it to be so. It would be rather easy to.

"Sang Lang is too poetic. If only you could be great at calligraphy." The man who was confirmed to be Xie Lian teased with an easy smile as he looked away from Yuan.

"Hua Lei, flower bud. I believe our child's name is perfect." Hua Cheng layed his hand on the side of Yuan's… Hua lei's cheek. It was comfortable in a way he couldn't describe. He missed his family from his past life, but they had died when he was only thirteen.

Xie Lian picked up his son. They were a loving couple and he could see clearly that his tiny self was in the heavenly realm. It was surrounded by a bright blue sky. He was a little surprised by the silk that surrounded him. He felt so comfortable but there was a sensation against his back. 

He turned around to see two tails. Each were a bright orange to resemble a fox. He attempted to move them and they moved quickly and with force. It didn't take any will power to move it and so Yuan tried to ignore it, but it was difficult to sleep on his back or even be resting there.

He wished his tails were more fluffy and comfortable, and a moment later, he felt a sensation on his tails. He looked back to see the two tails resembling a pillow from how poofy they were. He cuddled into the long fluffy tails as his parents laughed.

"Our child appears to know how to control his own tails. Not sure how common that is. Huli Jings aren't a common species." Hua Cheng murmured to Xie Lian.

"Sang Lang, we knew our child couldn't be human. A god and a ghost managed to create a huli Jing for whatever reason. I don't mind so long as our little Niu she cao is alright."

"You really want him to take control?" Hua Cheng was teasing with his tone but Xie Lian looked determined as he kissed his hand, Hua Cheng blushed.

"He will need to. His nickname is to ward demons away, and we both have enemies. We cannot let our guard down. It has been two hundred years since the fall of Jun Wu and he has started to be seen by others. He won't want to hurt our son, but I can't risk it."

Hua Cheng held Xie Lian's hands in his as he smiled. It was comforting and Hua Lei could see Xie Lian stop being so tense. His shoulders fell as he sighed. Looking at Hua Lei, Xie Lian smiled gently.

Suddenly a tired-looking woman entered. She had dark hair with a blue hue, although it could be from the bright sky. Her hair looked immaculate and she held a scroll. Hua lei would have to live in Luo Binghe's lifetime, he knew that much. 

"I congratulate his highness and crimson rain sought flower on your son. One week he has lived and I hope he lives as long as you both." The woman had a monotone voice, although that could be from her lack of sleep.

"Greetings, Ling Wen." Xie Lian smiled like she was his greatest friend. Hua Lei never read heaven official's blessing. That was his sister. All he knew was she loved Ling Wen and would talk non stop about how she didn't deserve to be a prisoner but was glad she got more sleep. 

…He was forgetting what his sister looked like. What his parents… his brothers… his own face. They all were blank slates through time. There wasn't anything he could do. Memory was the one thing he craved to be there but he wished for it to disappear.

"I can say all of the heavenly realm is joyful to hear of you and your family's prosperity. The doctor had said that your child was at risk of dying but I am glad to see him alive and well." She looked at Hua Lei with acute joy that was barely able to be seen in her eyes.

He saw as the days passed through. Sometimes Ling Wen would visit. Sometimes Feng Xin and Mu Qing would come. The two would look at the child and then look at Hua Cheng in sink before they stormed off.

Hua Lei thought life as a baby was once more boring. His parents had to leave frequently but he didn't mind. Hua Cheng was in charge of the most populated city of ghosts. Xie Lian was the head of the Heavenly realm, which certainly had a lot of mindsets that were opposing, to be polite.

He saw his parents bring Hua Lei into their arms and cuddle him when they returned to him. Everyone in the end was stuck in a cuddle pile and Hua Lei would usually have to be on his stomach to avoid his tails being uncomfortable for himself as he often was full of joy in the action.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian smiled to himself.

His child was now four weeks old. The thought brought a smile. His child was struggling though. The body was far too weak for his blood to be shared. But his child was alive and well.

Xie Lian was currently walking back towards his homes with purpose. Usually, people would try to have a conversation with the heavenly emperor, but since he got pregnant, most stopped. Some out of respect for this new-found focus of mind… others because they were confused or hateful.

Feng Xin always looked as if he was seconds away from running away out of being so uncomfortable. He never really got used to Sang Lang and all progress fell once Xie Lian realised the child baring pill worked.

Mu Qing just had disgust clear on his face and told Xie Lian that he could do much better than the crimson rain sought flower and walked away.

He managed to get the both to see his son. They looked at Sang Lang, then their new flower and left. Xie Lian followed them and whilst Mu Qing walked away with his fists cleanched, Feng Xin complemented their child as being cute and strong.

Xie Lian appreciated the complement and allowed the two to see their flower, but they had yet to accept the agreement. Xie Lian partially understood why his friends acted in such a manner as it would be confusing for Xie Lian from when he was a prince that he would bare a son. 

His friends still saw him as the crown prince he used to be and showed clear confusion even so later as he was now the heavenly emperor. Although his robes were still simple and without anything to suggest his status.

He approached the building to see a small fox cub with fur that was fading from a light brown into orange. Was that Hua Lei? Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He picked his child up and the kit made a high pitched noise of sadness as he had been caught.

"Thought you could escape, little Niu she cao, didn't you?" The kit looked down before shifting its weight to fall on Xie Lian's chest before looking up. The sight caused Xie Lian to be hit by paternal feelings to protect the small thing.

Xie Lian smiled as he walked into the house. The warm room was where their child was supposed to be. With windows closed to avoid cold air and a warming talisman, yet the mischievous little flower had crawled out after turning itself into a full fox.

He placed the kit on his and his husband's shared bed and the fox turned back into its Huli Jing form. He turned his child to be on his stomach on his own stomach as he cuddled with the child, who's tail started to sway with joy.

Sang Lang seemed to arrive just at the right time as he cuddled both Xie Lian and their flower. It felt warm… but there was a fear inside him. Both the men had enemies. Now they had a child, who was weaker than he should be. He was glad the boy was alive when it was gossiped that the child would have died.

But he held on to his husband tighter. The thought of everything he built crumbling was far too real all because of their flowers existence. He would kill for little Niu she cao, and so would his husband. Each cared for their young infant so much.

Suddenly Mei Nianqing came in. The man burst in with determination and stopped as he looked at the three. There was a mix of concern and confusion on his face but the old state proceptor of Xianle began to speak. "I won't interrupt you for long, it took a while for me to be here, have this for your child." Xie Lian was given a golden anklet. "For good luck and your childs first asset."

The man then walked away. Leaving the two in silence as they dealt with the scene that felt a bit out of character but ended up dismissing it with a laugh as Xie Lian put the jewellery on little Niu she cao's ankle.

It was the exact shade of gold that was frequently accessorising their home in ghost city. It would make sense for them to return to there relatively soon. They would probably move there on the a hundredth day ceremony. The ghosts would no doubt throw the largest celebration - and that was saying something.

Xie Lian chuckled as Sang Lang turned to him. The ghost king gave his husband a kiss as he smiled. The two were at peace. Their flower seemed to have no thoughts as he swayed in the wind.

Xie Lian was in a state where he felt the purest joy and allowed any thoughts of negativity to fall short. Their little Niu she cao was starting to drool as he slept. The young boy loved to sleep. It had been the first time Xie Lian had seen him leave.He supposed he should tell his husband, but it could be his and his child's secret.

"You know our little Niu she cao turned into his fox form today." Sang Lang chuckled at the knowledge and pressed himself harder into the cuddle.

"I knew, Gege. I placed one of my wrath butterflies on his as soon as he was born. He really moved his little legs so fast." That made sense, and Xie Lian felt calm knowing his husband would always be there for their child, even when apart.

Just then, their child turned into a fox once more and ran outside. The ghost and god immediately ran to catch their child. It felt silly to think about it from another's perspective, but it was far too real for the two.

They managed to catch up to their child still in fox form. They looked at their son and picked him up. Little Niu she cao was still asleep he looked forward. All three saw a god that was rather rare to find.

"Hello, user Peerless_cucumber! I'm glad to see you alive: both physically and emotionally."

Chapter Text

Hua Lei found himself sharing the area with this physical body of the system, a vessel that was remarkably unremarkable.

It was neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, and bore no striking features that would draw attention. His hair was a mundane black, and his face was plain in the most ordinary sense. However, his eyes were a striking light blue, reminiscent of the vast sky in the heavenly realm, a brilliant hue that seemed to capture the essence of serenity. The body itself possessed an ambiguous gender, a halfway point that left it difficult to categorize.

Hua Lei had been thrust into this existence without any forewarning, but there was an unmistakable air of reverence surrounding the system that had orchestrated this transition. His Baba and A-die had cast aside the young boy to fulfill the system's whims, leaving him to navigate this new reality alone.

“Hello, user! Why did you kill yourself? Now, we must restart so that you and Luo Binghe can fall in love once more,” the scheming system chirped in a female voice that felt oddly mismatched, as if the tone didn’t quite align with the words. Hua Lei simply stared at the system in disbelief before typing a response. 

“I don’t want to. I am not a flower that can be picked to decorate a bouquet. I am a human.” The system scoffed at his defiance, its demeanor unyielding. “No, you are not. User peerless_cucumber, you are a Huli Jing. Before that, you were a demon. Before that, a cultivator. And then, a human.”

Hua Lei squinted skeptically at the entity, a mix of confusion and frustration swirling within him. In an instant, he shifted to his half-human baby form, a reflection of his vulnerability. The system’s response was a smile, one that felt unsettling, as it completely disregarded his plea to be treated as more than just a pawn in a grand game. 

It felt cruel to endure the uncomfortable silence that followed, a heavy weight hanging in the air. The system swiped its hand against the side of Hua Lei's cheek, a gesture that was meant to be comforting but felt more like an invasion. It then picked him up, carrying him along a stark, white path that was harsh against his sensitive eyes. With time, he was slowly acclimating to the brightness, having spent only a couple of hours in this peculiar environment.

In a moment that felt surreal, the system deposited him into the arms of his Baba. The man turned to A-die, his expression revealing a troubling lack of concern, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. Hua Lei instinctively nestled deeper into the soft fabric of his Baba's white robes, seeking solace amidst the chaos. 

“Your child has already had a past life, but it was comparable to a fly caught in a Dionaea muscipula, or Venus flytrap. He understands you but hates to speak. Do not expect him to do so, even when he is old enough,” the system remarked, its voice devoid of emotion, as if reciting a mechanical script. The coldness of its words hung in the air, filling the space between them with an unsettling chill. It felt more like an obligation than a revelation, a mere statement of fact rather than an acknowledgment of the complexities of existence..

"He killed himself in his past life, so I placed him in both of your competent hands to suggest him not to die before he can even do what he's supposed to. Especially since you needed a replacement child."

Both his parents looked down at him. His A-die patted his head as he looked towards his Baba. There was a silent piece of communication between them as they spoke through an array. Baba began to hug Hua Lei tighter until he started trying to wiggle into some space.

Baba stopped and kissed his forehead. They immediately walked to the side of the heavenly realm and jumped down. The fall felt harsh as the wind resistance pulled at him to be falling slower. He wasn't used to it and grew afraid before he and Baba were to hit the ground.

A-die followed a few seconds behind but the two walked in what appeared to be silence as they walked confidently in an undisclosed direction. Hua Lei quickly fell into slumber with the constant repeating motion of Baba walking.

Hua Lei's dreams felt warm in his Baba's embrace. It felt as if there was a bright hue in his darkness of mind. Like he was meditating whilst surrounded by a hurricane. It felt nice although there was no dream separate from his mind narrating his thoughts.

Sadly, Hua Lei woke up as a shift in aura occered. He woke up in a city shrouded in darkness. Yet it was far too awake. People would great Baba with the name 'grand uncle'. They were joyful and some either cooed or screamed in joy at the sight of Hua Lei.

Some began bombarding the three with questions. It felt a little nice at first, but Hua Lei easily became too overstimulated. The noise was too much as well as the lights. He buried his face into his Baba's robes.

His A-die noticed quickly and shut the ghosts down. His words were cold and out of character, from what he had seen. The ghosts scrambled to flee with the cold tone and the two began to walk. Yet now, Baba was rocking him in his arms and A-die was glaring at anyone who dared to approach.

They moved to a place that was much cosier compared to their home in heaven. It was much more flamboyant? Yes. But the place was bathed in an amber that soothed the kit. Baba placed Hua Lei on the bed as A-die sat beside him and placed him in his arms as he attempted to sleep.

"Oh!… Our flower fell asleep before I could feed him." Baba sounded a little uncomfortable and sad, but ultimately let a sigh out.

"He has met someone he knew, we now know his past life and he moved to a new place. Our little Niu she cao is going to be overwhelmed and need some rest. It has been a much too difficult day for our child." A-die smiled to his husband.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was experiencing his a hundrerdth day ceremony.

He wasn't able to last time, due to culture differences, but this was a hundrerdth times the celebration. Hua Lei was with his parents in a balcony separated from the crowd as many ghosts screamed. He tried to be a little more comfortable with the noise, but he quickly grew unable to handle it.

His A-die brought him into the room and closed the door to the streets. Baba was already comforting him like he was able to understand, and he was. His parents told Hua Lei they were glad to have him, but he partially felt like a replacement for the dead child he could have been.

There were no shadows of their grief lingering in the corners of their home. But, It was as if he could feel the weight of their unspoken expectations, a subtle reminder that he was not just their son but also a symbol of what had been lost. Their laughter would echo through the halls, yet beneath it lay an undercurrent of simple mindedness that Hua Lei craved.

Hua Lei often found himself contemplating his place in their lives, wondering if he was truly cherished for who he was or merely for the void he filled. The hundrerdth day celebrations, while joyful, were tinged with a cruel thought filled existence.

His A-die placed a talisman to block out the noise. Which was a calming joy for the young spirit who was growing far more sensitive than he could ever desire to be so. It was a small needle being inserted daily that Hua Lei was unable to handle. It felt far to present.

A-die smiled as Baba kissed him. He then looked at Hua Lei in all that he existed in: silk robes embroidered with fox and flower imagery. The appearance was spectacular as his hair, which was growing long already. It was a couple cun long and the ends were amber whilst his scalp showed to be raven black, though he should say Tacca chantrieri black.

The flower was a void holding the form of a flower as thin finger street he'd out to capture the light surrounding the world. It was nicknamed the bat flower due to its appearance to be reminiscent of the species.

Hua Lei slowly grew more comfortable in his surroundings, as the atmosphere began to envelop him like the warm embrace his parents so commonly shared with him. The feeling surrounded him in everything he could ever desire, wrapping him in a cocoon of tranquility and security. Although ghost city held no sun, it bloomed with the excitement of the many.

As he took a deep breath, the fresh scent of blooming flowers filled his nose, awakening his senses and grounding him in the present moment. He could hear the distant laughter of ghost chattering and spreading flowers, but mainly their petals, everywhere. It wasn't calm, but he was better.

Hua Lei smiled and looked outside. The Huli Jing channeled all his desire onto his eyes as he pointed with his eyes to the balcony once more. The two men looked at eachother with concern.

"Little Niu she cao, are you sure that you want to go outside again? Neither Sang Lang nor I wish for you to be overwhelmed…" Baba spoke with a smile that was plainly just for decoration compared to a real one.

Even the beast of his past life performed better. Everyone who knew the man also knew his smile was never real and now was his words. The Sect leader would seem far to real to an ignorant person or one he had just met. It didn't last two months though… There is only so much people notice how your words were fake when their focus is always upon you.

Why was he judging…? This is his Baba, why would anyone compare him to the monster. Yuan showed real acting as he displayed his delight and hid his disgust. Hua Lei didn't want to be a judgemental person. That was repulsive.

He faded the thought away as Hua Lei was brought outside once more, only this time, they jumped down the balcony. Hua Lei was slowly getting used to the action. A-die glared at anyone who dared approach, which stopped some but not all.

There were a few female ghosts who claimed Hua Lei was as beautiful as a summer rose, his delicate features glowing with an ethereal light that seemed to transcend the bounds of the earthly realm. They whispered among themselves, recounting stories of his peach blossom eyes and charm, as if he were a celestial being descended from the heavens. His eyes told a story about love that was unrecognisable to the women.

Meanwhile, many male ghosts claimed that the infant, who was destined to grow into a formidable figure, looked as if he would slay an army in his life as a young man. They spoke in hushed tones of the fierce determination that sparkled in his eyes, even in his infancy, hinting at an unyielding spirit that would carve a path through the annals of history.

The juxtaposition of beauty and strength captivated the ghostly audience, bridging the divide between two worlds—the ethereal and the mortal. It was as if the two souls were intertwined in a dance of fate, suggesting that Hua Lei's beauty was not just skin deep but carried within it a powerful legacy. 

The ghosts reveled in the tales, painting vivid images of a future where Hua Lei and the infant would rise to legendary status, their destinies forever linked in the fabric of time. In this haunting narrative, they found solace, dreaming of what might have been.

Hua Lei didn't want that personally. He just wanted a normal life this time, since he was forced to live once more in this sinister twist of fate. Hua Lei felt comfortable as he blocked out the noise into just muffles and enjoyed the exited energy 

Hua Lei felt far too calm in that moment that he didn't notice his parents smiling to eachother.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng was annoyed at how long the celebration of his son was.

It was, to say the least, the most time that such a big celebration had taken place. And this was ghost city. The celebrations were always big and now, the event had been taking place for a week.

Hua Cheng would have been tolerant with it, if his little Niu she cao wasn't prone to being overwhelmed, though he could last about a shichen of the attention, which was a monumental increase compared to the original duration.

Gege was rather protective of their child. Hua Cheng was so very grateful for his beloved to act in such a way that highlighted the truth of their life as a family. It was more than Hua Cheng could ever wish for.

His little Niu she cao proved to suit the name. He became the talk of the city. Whispers of the flower that had not yet bloomed yet had already stolen the dedication of all he met. 

Hua Lei was more spoken about that the ghosts didn't even recognise himself as they murmered amongst eachother. His flower was taking his place above it all… but it caused an unease.

Hua Lei was susceptible to be harmed, the more people knew about him and his relationship to the famed God of misfortune and Ghost king. His beloved was correct, Hua Lei could be harmed in such a simplistic manner due to his age, and now they knew of his mentality.

The revelation from the system sparked fear and confusion for the two lovers. They desired above it all, for their child to be safe. Learning Hua Lei did not desire to live as well as him not being able to speak to his parents. Although they could communicate through arrays.

Hua Cheng watched how his family attempted to sleep. His Dianxia looked as mesmerising as possible. His hair was comparable to the roots of willows that swayed in the wind, the roots would bury themselves deep until the found life. His eyelashes were curled to display the golden pearl within.

His beloved wore plain white however the man convinced his love to wear the silks he bestowed upon the man. It was so wonderful to think of how his Gege was wearing something more comfortable whilst remaining to be comfortable.

Then he looked to the small Huli Jing squished between the two men. His little Niu she cao had his breath steady as a faint swish of his tails occasionally occurring. His flower was on his stomach to accommodate the tails believing to be so boney. 

His little Lei looked as if he was not given any food. His child may refuse 'too much' food. Lei-er would rarely eat an entire thing, be it milk or meat. Neither was finished unless the boy had refused food for the entire day.

The gentle light cascaded upon his dearest family, filling the room with a warm, golden hue as he carefully drew the curtains shut. The soft fabric gently swayed as the sunlight filtered through, creating a serene ambiance that seemed to wrap around them like an embrace. 

To ensure their peace, he took a moment to place a talisman on the windowsill, a small yet significant object believed to ward off disturbances and unwanted sounds from the outside world. This talisman, a cherished thing to aid his child in rest and peaceful slumber.

As the noise from the bustling street outside faded away, he felt a profound sense of calm settle over the room. His family, nestled together on the red bed, each moment he saw the two shine, Hua Cheng cherished like a precious gem. 

In this tranquil atmosphere, he could see their faces illuminated by the gentle glow, each expression radiating love and contentment. He realized that in this sanctuary of light and warmth, they were safe, together, and free from the chaos of the world beyond their door. Hua Cheng despised the ghosts of his city for being so rowdy.

The night was no separate from the day as the sky resembled the darkness the outside world had caused for the young man he once was. The void of light was calming though, he could act with anything and his ghosts would listen to the obvious. They would mess up on one aspect, at least.

Hua Cheng allowed himself to be buried in the bed. Warmth radiated by the two beings beside him, each were heavenly. Hua Cheng felt impure to be beside them when he had not proven to be anything other than a ghost.

Hua Cheng smiled to himself as he rested his nose on his child. It was distinctively sweet and had a fragrance of an orchid. It felt like a strange thing to mix but it lowered his guard completely to his own child. Which is what it always should be like. The sweet aroma newborns commonly had was still present in it and was unnaturally sticking to his flower. However, it didn't feel unnatural.

Hua Cheng fell into slumber as his brain was purged of any thoughts. His world was created in a perspective of joy and life as everything felt perfect. His child was growing up too much though. A hundred and seven days old now.

It felt like too much for the young one who was supposed to slow down time with their calming aura, as fortune tellers spoke of.

Chapter Text

Hua Yuan was able to travel around town frequently in his fox form.

All of them had discussed this (through nods and shakes of heads) to come to the conclusion of the young Huli Jing to travel so long as A-die could monitor him through spies and his wrath butterflies.

The darkness of the sky caused a deep emptiness that felt unbearable for the young one. His chest felt as if it had a crack forcefully tearing into a larger hole. He couldn't pay attention to it though. He had things in his mind to ponder about.

He didn't focus on it so that A-die would not notice how his ears had fallen into his fur and tail hung between his legs. Hua Lei could never wish to bother his parents, he would be committing a sin if he did. Greed of time and gluttony of others.

Hua Lei looked down at the bright city. The lights burned eternally. It was a small comfort to consider that very true, if not sweet factor. Hua Lei jumped from the building without harming his paws in any way.

The young flower was able to jump from extraordinary heights in his fox form. He was used to it when he was a cultivator and a… magician? Well, when he had the ability to conjure magic.

He maneuvered himself to avoid the crowds of ghosts flooding in since the gates opened recently. Although, everyone tried to make way for the son of their king. Of whom they were monumentally loyal towards.

Hua Lei followed his scent to… a spell shop? It felt rather peculiar to enter the shop, and yet he did. The seller was a woman who had short hair equivalent to a bob in his original world. The woman either despised her bloodline, or was a criminal.

Her eyes felt both alive and bored to her ends, yet the latter vanished when she met the Huli Jing's own. Her eyebrows raised and her mouth fell open, but in a way reminiscent of admiration of an idol. Her eyes glimmered in a manner free from hatred or any impurity. 

"Greetings, young master Hua." Her voice felt teasing despite her words holding nothing to tease about. She looked to be an average ghost.

Her skin was pale like she was unable to ever reach the sun and yet she had lips a deep crimson. They were comparable to blood from a wound that had occurred two hours ago.

Hua Lei blinked I'm response. He nodded slightly but it no doubt looked nervous due to his small size. He was up to people's knees, which sounded tall for a baby fox. However, Huli jing's size would eventually be taller than the majority of Humans - depending on whether they choose to be their full height.

The woman slowly approached, yet Hua Lei felt no fear as he stood tall in his foxy form. The woman's robes were in a blue that was light and had a green hue to it, which only brought more attention to her lips and complexion.

"Hello. My name is Ming Yue." Bright moon. Matched her skin. It was pale to the point of being blue. Hua Lei felt as if he should offer a method to warm the woman up, he didn't know how to though.

Hua Lei nodded politely to the woman, acknowledging her presence with a subtle gesture before he climbed onto a nearby shelf, seeking a bit of elevation to create some distance between the two beings. 

The shelves were crowded with various items, but he navigated through the clutter, hoping to find a spot that would give him a point of comfortability. He was not concerningly afraid of Ming Yue. However, this particular woman emanated… a unique energy, a blend of confidence and unpredictability that created a tangible sense of discomfort that seemed to reign supreme in that moment.

As he settled himself on the shelf, he felt a mixture of curiosity and caution. The woman’s eyes were piercing, glinting with an intensity that made him acutely aware of her focused gaze. 

It was as if she could see right through him, peeling back thick layers beneath his fur, ones that he wasn't ready to expose. He shifted slightly, trying to adjust his position, but the uneasy feeling persisted. The atmosphere around them felt charged, each moment stretching into eternity, and he couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts were swirling in her mind.

"You like spells." It was spoken as if it was a statement instead of a question yet he still gave a little nod. He tried his best to breath and adjust to the atmosphere surrounding him.

Ming Yue smiled. Her smile felt as if it had too many teeth as all crowded to be seen. He felt a sharp tug against his fear that he knew as anxiety, but still continued in his original calming behaviour as he began to swish his tail.

Hua Lei grew too uncomfortable to remain and carefully jumped down from his perch and trod towards the door. The cold stone floor caused his nails to create a sound as they hit the solid.

"Come back soon, young master Hua." The tone was helpful, whilst still holding its original teasing tone. Hua Lei saw from the corner of his eye that Ming Yue was still smiling and she had eyes that looked a bit… sad.

Perhaps Hua Lei would return, perhaps he wouldn't. It was all up to him. On one hand, Hua Lei needed to get used to people with uncomfortable scents and aura. But on the other, He would never need to do something he didn't want to. His parents were perfectly content with his him not speaking or acting 'normal'.

Hua Lei smiled to himself as he turned into his own home in paradise manor. It was nice to just see how everyone allowed him through. He felt like he wasn't human in the best way. Hua Lei wasn't a person who could fall apart, he was a prised pet given everything whilst never earning it… it felt a bit wrong though.

"How was your day? Did you like Ming Yue?"

Chapter Text

Hua Lei awkwardly smiled at his A-die.

The young flower had no idea how to respond to the sudden change in his surroundings. The room was strange in its aura and caused an acute distress, and his father was at a much higher level than the infant, creating a sensory experience unlike anything he had ever known in that life. 

He slowly shifted into his human form… yet he quickly realized that this transformation would cause him to fall down, as he had not yet developed the necessary motor skills to stand or move gracefully.

At just four months old, he was still a baby in many ways, navigating the world with curiosity and wonder. Or at least he would be if he was able to loose his memory like Shang Qinghua, the lucky bastard.

His A-die picked him up whilst his Baba gracefully walked through. His Baba had a face laced with confusion at the sight. There was an undeniable aspect stating that the god would take the side of the ghost, over the Huli Jing.

… That sounded rather funny. The thought provoked a set of giggles, which turned his guardias towards him. None were the same species but they were close enough, he supposed.

"What is occurring, Sang Lang?" His Baba asked. There was uncertainty mixed with his so common smile. His Baba turned to the man in red.

"Our little Niu she cao has met Ming Yue." His A-die had a smile that was incomparable to anything in a peculiar way. His Baba turned to him with shock before he smiled.

"Is that so?"

What was the significance of the woman?

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Xie Lian felt bored, to be frank.

It was a peculiar feeling, but an understandable one. Xie Lian had lived for a thousand years now, two hundred years since he had defeated Jun Wu alongside his closest companions. He often found himself reflecting on the passage of time, the moments that had shaped him, and the bonds he had rekindled alongside eachother. 

Though his relationship with Mu Qing and Feng Xin wasn't perfect, it was much better. The two were on the brink of accidently confessing to eachother the next time they fought. Xie Lian didn't interfere with the fights as most were pointless.

Each year seemed to blend into the next, creating a tapestry of experiences that fell short compared to the life before. He still loved Sang Lang all the same, but he could felt empty at night. He held his desires sting for something more…

He believed he had done everything he was comfortable to do, yet there lingered a sense of unfulfilled prospects to life, a whisper of something called to him from the depths of his heart.

As he gazed out at the city full of light whilst surrounded by darkness, the world appeared vast and teeming with possibilities. Memories of his old family danced in his mind - their laughter, their wealth, their existence as royalty. 

Together, they had faced insurmountable odds, overcoming the fall of their own kingdom, something that would have broken lesser beings. Yet, despite their victories, he had no more family separate from his friends and lover. Many ghosts acting like they cared helped slightly, but it wasn't anything that Xie Lian could find long lasting.

The staticness of the moment made him introspective. Perhaps it was time to seek out new experiences, to step beyond the familiar boundaries he had set for himself. He realized that even after a millennium, there remained nothing in the world filled with anything to bring him joy. At least not for a while.

Strangely enough, he found himself at a spell shop. It was a cluttered space, but cozy and lived in despite being owned by a ghost. He looked around at the soft lighting, and many textures of the books.

There was however, a laugh from behind him.

Xie Lian looked towards the figure to find a woman. Her appearance was massively pale to the point of turning blue yet she had a crimson lip that drew focus towards her face despite how uncomfortable it felt to look at her.

She didn't speak at first. Her mere existence felt as if it placed a weight on the atmosphere. Xie Lian doubted he could cope with her words … and he was right.

"Hello, grand uncle. This lowly one is Ming Yue" The words Ming Yue spoke were so very common, but felt piercing. Xie Lian tried to keep himself in a state of being composed but he let his heart beat through into his ears.

The woman stepped closer, as if observing the God of misfortune the same way she would with a human. There was a teasing smile on her face but Xie Lian focused on remaining calm.

"You desire a family, right? So does ghost city. Did grand uncle not consider the possibility even after all the pills and hints you were bestowed?" …She was correct. He didn't consider it.

But Xie Lian didn't want a child just because he was bored or he was expected to. Then again it would be best to have someone, anyone, who he could care for and give all his love to.He loved Sang Lang, but they were independent people and had their own opinions and wishes.

A child would love him without reason for fear even after knowing of his life as a God of misfortune as Xie Lian would had raised the child since youth. Xie Lian desired that deeply in his core.

Yet, He could never force a child into a situation where they would turn into someone who was completely filled with hatred for the conditions as to being someone who was born to suffer from misfortune.

Then again, Sang Lang could grant luck to another due to his perfect luck. He could bestow a child with an inordinate amount of luck for a thousand years without fail.

"I was a midwife in my past life. I could aid Grand Uncle in his pregnancy?"

"…I would have to discuss that with my husband, but I… could be in favour."

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng was residing in his gambling den.

Gege was talking quite a bit more time than his beloved usually did. It felt a little strange but Hua Cheng trusted his husband with his life… death? Nevermind. He trusted his crown prince more than anyone else.

He began to bounce his leg vigorously in his anxiety as it rose the loner Gege wasn't near him. It was getting to the point of inability to even consider resting until he saw the golden eyes he longed to see.

The curtains were embedded with a red tint that would block half of his field of vision, but he always recognised his love immediately. He carried himself with the weight of his past whilst still gliding through as a god should. No ghost could embody both.

Thankfully, his wishes were granted as the love of his existence came forth… although he looked a bit stuck in his own thoughts. Gege sat in his lap with his mind still heavy. Hua Cheng placed a kiss on his husband's cheek, causing the god to snap out of his trance like state.

"… Does Sang Lang want a child?" The words blurted out with one breath and Hua Cheng's voice was stuck in his throat. Silence in their veiled room felt so different from the loud ghosts gambling still.

Hua Cheng began to cough at the sudden words. Gege immediately patted his back, trying to aid him even though he had already died three times.

"Why did Gege bring that up?…" He wasn't at all opposed to the idea, but he would never wish to force his own desires onto his beloved whom was the one person he would burn the world for… but Gege would never want that.

"I've been feeling… strange recently. I have been flooded by the memories of my family and I was wondering if Sang Lang would want a family. I will accept your answer no matter what."

Hua Cheng pressed his lips to Gege's whilst resting his hand on Gege's neck, without force. His god pushed to deepen the kiss although there was a hesitation that he hadn't seen in so very long. The warm mouth on his made it feel as if his own wrath butterflies were in his stomach.

Hua Cheng pulled back from the kiss to answer, although he had to look into his Gege's eyes, which took a few seconds as his Gege was nervous. He entertwined his cold hand with his beloved's warm one as he responded. "Yes. It is something I desire."

The two rested their foreheads together as they both attempted to calm down, but both of the lovers were unable to as they began giggling like youths. They were no doubt garnering the attention of the ghosts downstairs but neither cared.

Their giggles quickly transformed into hearty laughter, filling the air with a sense of immaturity that meant nothing to the two. The infectious sound bounced around them, creating a light-hearted atmosphere that made it difficult for them to regain their composure.

They exchanged glances, their eyes sparkling with mischief and delight, but they had to wait for quite an extended period of time before they could finally speak to each other again. The anticipation built as they wiped away tears of laughter, their sides aching from the overwhelming happiness of the moment.

Each playful nudge and shared smile only intensified their eagerness to communicate, but they savored the delightful pause, knowing that the laughter they shared was a memory in the making.

Eventually, once they had calmed down, they were able to articulate their thoughts, their voices filled with excitement and warmth as they began to share their stories and experiences, deepening their bond even further.

"I suggest we go to our home, Gege." Hua Cheng requested as softly as he could. He allowed himself to smile without pressure in that moment as the two walked out side by side. They attracted a few eyes as they left without any worries.

The walk was surrounded by the common buzz of the city as the city would be celebrating their two hundred years anniversary. There were chatter about anything between food and wine to grass and the colour beige for some reason.

Hua Cheng didn't really mind the many discussions as he snuck a glance at his beloved who was still smiling to himself. His head was lowered in a way that still felt confident but was meant to deter other beings.

The lights cascaded to shine on Gege and reflect him in the colour Hua Cheng commonly placed on himself. All that was needed was more jewellery. Gege only wore the ring that had his ashes within, but he deserved every piece of jewellery. Hua Cheng looked best in silver whilst his crown prince obviously looked best in pure gold.

The two approached the house and lead eachother to their shared room. Hua Cheng grasped Gege's hand and squeezed as he made his way to their bed.

"What created these feelings?" Hua Cheng asked as his love sat on the edge of their bed. Hua Cheng moved to the floor so he could look at his beloved's shy head that commonly fell downwards.

"I felt drawn to a spell-caster store and I found a woman who read me like a book and placed the story together in such a strong manner despite how I told her next to nothing." Gege paused for a breath before continuing.

"Ming Yue said she was a midwife before her death… and she could help with pregnancy. I was curious and so began thinking about us having a child… I grew attached to the idea before I could even ask if you wanted a child."

Hua Cheng smiled as he kneeled so he could kiss Xie Lian, his husband that he loved so much. Gege smiled into the kiss and pushed forward once more, this time with more than the confidence he knew and desired so much. But he liked it.

The two ended up tangled within eachother as his beloved scrambled for the pill even after they had already started.

They would be good parents, hopefully.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng looked on his husband.

Gege was heavily pregnant by now. It had been just over eight months since their second meeting with Ming Yue who advised them on pregnancy. Hua Cheng couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling she formed despite his beloved advising him about the behaviour.

She fit the stereotype on how ghosts were supposed to look to the point of being uncanny. Hua Cheng had to avoid eye contact for a few seconds every minute. She had a calm and confident voice that rejected any questions or objections.

Hua Cheng now couldn't trust someone more even though his body still became aware of how cold it was when thinking of the strange inhuman creature. He was great full about how she aided the two with everything normal during pregnancy and limitations of his husband's capabilities throughout.

Currently his husband was resting in their bed. Gege rested and needed rest a lot more and in a quicker time than before as well as the physical ache that commonly came. Hua Cheng tried his best to aid his husband, but Gege really despised staying in one place and not doing anything.

They agreed that they would live in the heavenly realm for the first three months so that they didn't have to worry about anything or anyone, but Gege started to feel incapable really quickly. Hua Cheng felt sorrow to see his beloved in such a state, but tried to comfort him as much as he could.

Gege also still had to attend Heavenly meetings for any quarrels or anything of the sort. He reported that the Gods were less prone to yelling or fighting, but were uncomfortably silent quite frequently.

Hua Cheng was content with how the idiots of heaven weren't distracting his beloved with their immaturity, but at the same time his husband was obviously insecure about their reactions to himself.

Gege avoided eye contact and had his smile barely pressing against his cheeks as his eyebrows curved. Hua Cheng just responded by hugging his perfect lover and placing him on the bed before cuddling with him and telling his one true love that they should be quiet so that they don't cause stress and it was the one good action Gods had ever done.

Gege smiled at that. A real smile. Smiles were the simplest thing on the world but at the same time they held so much value. Most people who were competent could realise whether a smile was false or not. It was the main thing that dictated trust of another.

Shivers could be caused if someone realised the malice behind a fake smile the same way another would turn to be concerned if they discovered the same fake smile to cover sorrow.

Hua Cheng saw the real smile that caused his own to emerge. His beloved would always be stunning and with flaws that only enhanced his perfection. His beloved was kind to the point of letting others speak horridly about him to his face. He was stronger than most Gods, if not all, which garnered more than a few enemies.

But all in all, he was perfect.

Hua Cheng could only embrace himself in the warmth of his God. The same one who helped him when no other was able to. The same one he served for in his battles. The same one he served after death. The same one he built an entire city for. The same one he died for three times. Hua Cheng would do it all again 

Hua Cheng observed how his beloved felt tired and attempted to sleep. The ghost didn't point out how Gege hadn't bathed before due to the exhaustion on his Gege's face as he turned to face him in his attempt to fall asleep.

Hua Cheng still was unsure as to the knife under their bed, but it is supposed to keep spirits away. His beloved read poetry, didn't gossip with anyone in even the slightest way, bought all the clothes before the child was born and drank herbal tea to ease when the child was born. Gege acted very traditional in the manner of their unborn child.

It was nice to see Gege care so much about something the two had created together, but Hua Cheng felt a little sad to see his beloved act so prim and proper, like he was with the Gods. He felt a part of his beloved be pushed away from himself.

The two discussed the first month after their child's birth. Hua Cheng wasn't sure how traditional Gege wished to be… his beloved was entitled to forbid Hua Cheng in their house for the first month due to it being a resting period from everything. 

But luckily, Gege didn't want that. He barely wanted to rest currently and hated not being given tasks by anyone in the heavenly realm or ghost city. Most Ghosts would ask Gege for help with things that Hua Cheng didn't care about, which he admitted was a bit. He didn't care about leaking roofs or lost spirits or flowers that had not yet bloomed.

Hua Cheng cared more about the friends his Gege had. The two had visited Ghost city to see Xie Lian and Hua Cheng once. It had been awkward in the beginning and ended with a fight. Although the fight was admittedly from Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

Hua Cheng noted how his beloved couldn't rest for a long while. Then he heard heavy breathing. His beloved clutched his abdomen. His beloved stopped and started as Hua Cheng tried to ask him what was wrong.

His beloved just said to send for Ming Yue, which finally made Hua Cheng understand. He rushed to the spare room in which Ming Yue was.

The strange female ghost was found meditating but didn't need to be told what was going on as she stood up without her arms. It felt like a scene of a floating being but Hua Cheng didn't stop to think about it.

Ming Yue walked with a faster pace than normal as she brought her bag with preparations. 

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng smiled uncomfortablly at the memory of the strange woman.

His little Niu she cao before him was looking at him with eyes far older than his age, but it was only a noticeable thing when he recalled his child had lived another life. Hua Cheng turned to his beloved and Xie Lian spoke assertively to their child.

"It's good you met her. She is a woman who, although strange, is knowledgeable." His beloved spoke with a careful tone that felt calm and parental in a way that caused a tingle within the ghost's stomach.

Gege picked up their little Niu she cao and stood up. He waited for Hua Cheng to also get up before walking out. The two had tried to visit Ming Yue but everything was in a rush with the meetings and looking after Hua Lei, they hadn't the chance to see her.

The town was once more littered with individuals who crowded the streets, their laughter and chatter mingling in the crisp evening air, creating a symphony of sounds that echoed off the cobblestones. 

Despite the calming amber lights that adorned the shop fronts and street lamps, casting a warm glow over the bustling scene, there was an undeniable energy that pulsed through the crowd. 

The aroma of freshly cooked… whatever creature they could find wafted from a nearby stand, mingling with the scent of roasted chestnuts from a surprisingly normal street vendor, tempting passersby to indulge in the delightful offerings.

Amidst all this chaos, the two lovers found themselves navigating through the sea of people, holding each other’s hands tightly to avoid getting separated, whilst Gege held strong on little Niu she cao . Their fingers were intertwined, a symbol of their connection, as they moved together with purpose through the sea of faces. The warmth of their clasped hands provided a sense of comfort and reassurance in the midst of the hustle and bustle, allowing them to focus solely on each other.

As they made their way down the street, the lovers exchanged playful glances and soft smiles, completely absorbed in their own little world despite the crowd. 

The laughter of ghost children playing nearby and the distant sound of a street musician with a neck that moved frequently strummed a guitar faded into the background as they whispered sweet nothings to one another, Gege held the only heart with the rhythm of the lively town. In that moment, they felt squished, as if everything was disrupting them. Some of the people who lived in ghost city moved aside, but there were quite a lot of tourists.

They reached the building with it's non-descript appearance and stepped inside. Desperate the bland exterior, they were greeted by a warmth that tingled when they saw Ming Yue for yet another time. Despite their trust in her, neither believed they could ever get over her… aura. It felt superficial in a way.

The warmth of the room and the numbness she caused mixed until both felt uneasy to the point of leaving but they had to adjust. It was better than Yin Yu, who looked just about as descriptive as the outside of Ming Yue's spell shop.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Hua Lei smiled at Ming Yue.

He didn't allow his body to react to the woman's appearance, for that was the greatest sin that he would know to induce when he grew older. No matter what: he was a love interest to the protagonist. Hua Lei knew that. What was more entertainment than the Mary Sue character in an alpha male book?

He would not judge a woman for her appearance, if he could help it. Ming Yue smiled at him. It had too many teeth that were stained to be pink, although that could be from her bright crimson lipstick. It was almost reminiscent of blood.

But her eyes were bright. The darkness within showed specks of ice within the cold black pool. It was proof that she was happy in the moment. Was he getting infected from being a baby? Happy Is such a simple word. She was content in her existence.

"Greetings to the three of you. I hope each of you are doing well." Her smile grew wider to the point where Hua Lei couldn't hide his disgust and nausea. But luckily her eyes were closed with how wide her smile was.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

The three entered the room before Ming Yue followed. Her dining room was also her kitchen and the two adults watched as the ghost made tea. The leaves were a little overdone as shown by the colour but Hua Cheng stopped paying attention passed that and decided to look at his child.

The little one had fallen asleep. Or had he? His breathing hadn't slowed down as much as it usually had and his tails weren't swishing with any emotion from his dreams. Hua Cheng kept quiet though.

"I will say that I wasn't expecting any of you past your son, who visited me earlier this day." Ming Yue responded calmly as she placed the tea in front of the adults whilst their little Niu she cao was speared any tea.

The little nose twitched at the scent of tea whilst dismissing the desire to move in any way, even if he held the desire to drink. He wasn't even able to walk in his humanoid form. No matter if Hua Lei was able to sprint in his fox form.

"Do drink your tea!" Ming Yue insisted, her voice cheerful and encouraging as she drunk her own despite how there was steam still coming off her cup. She watched with a hopeful smile as Hua Cheng hesitated, his nose wrinkling slightly at the scent wafting from the cup. 

There was a bitterness of the tea was intolerable for even a ghost, a sharp contrast to the floral notes Gege was known to prefere. Despite Ming Yue's enthusiasm, he couldn't shake the feeling of reluctance.

The tea had a brownish hue, suggesting it was strong and robust, perhaps even too much for his taste. Ming Yue, however, seemed unfazed by its intensity. "It's good for you, I promise! Just give it a try," she urged, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Hua Cheng glanced at her, noticing how her excitement seemed to radiate with warmth, making it difficult to resist her request. Yet, the thought of the bitter flavor lingered in his mind. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the taste that awaited him.

He was right: it tasted like shit. He spit it out as soon as he drank it. Ming Yue seemed sad before reforming her face into a smile. She cleaned up the tea with a towel and didn't speak.

She was a reliable person, if not overworked.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was left alone with Ming Yue for a moment.

His A-die and Baba had moved to make their own tea for a moment. Ming Yue admitted she was trying to find the best way to make tea but none had been digestible for anyone.

Ming Yue looked straight at the child. "Hello user Peerless_Cucumber. It is I: the system!" …Now things felt complex. 'Why are you here in this body?' he asked the system through the chat feature.

Ming Yue The system tilted her its head as she it responded in a monotone voice. "I am incapable to exist in my normal form without a Luo Binghe, and he will not be born for many years. You are a junior to Liu Qingge by two months. I am able to watch over you in this form."

Well, that was certainly useful information. Liu Qingge, now six months old, had reached an age that provided Hua Lei with some much-needed peace of mind. The fact that the young one was still in his infancy meant that Hua Lei could afford to relax a little, at least for the time being. 

He found solace in the notion that he wouldn't have to worry excessively about the plot's development for a while longer. However, he still grappled with uncertainty regarding the ages of the peak lords, a matter that had always piqued his curiosity. 

Despite this, he never found the right moment to ask, perhaps it was due to the intimidating presence of the peak lords or his own reluctance to seem naive. It was a curious gap in his knowledge that he contemplated often, and he wondered if understanding their ages would provide him with further insights into their wisdom and experience. 

In any case, for the moment, Liu Qingge's youth was a comfort that allowed Hua Lei to focus on other pressing matters, knowing he had a little more time before the responsibilities of protection truly began.

He allowed the system to exist without resentment as he turned to face his parents - whom had just entered the room. The two could be perseved as being calm but there was a comfort that now made sense.

'so to replace your blue screen, and your blue eyes; you have blue skin?' Hua Lei asked through his thoughts towards Ming Yue the system.

"Correct! You found that out far too quickly." Ming Yue spoke in a positive tone and smiled as Hua Lei's parents grew confused at the interaction. The system promptly explained the occurrence as if it held no value towards others.

"You can communicate to Hua Lei via his spiritual array. I told him my password and he told me his. The little fox used cu-cum-ber as his password."

The two showed excitement immediately and both connected to him. 'Hello my little Niu she cao!' 'How are you today?' both overlapped and so he joined the two together. 'Hello A-die and Baba. I am feeling well and I hope you are too.'

His two fathers stopped for a moment as they heard their son's voice for the very first time. It was a sound that echoed through the room, a sweet and innocent melody that seemed to dance in the air. Both men exchanged glances, their eyes wide with disbelief and joy. 

It was a moment they had dreamed of since the day they learned they were going to be parents. There, in that small, cluttered room filled with books and cobwebs, their hearts swelled with emotion as they took in the significance of this milestone.

The room was softly lit, the gentle glow of the lamp casting a comforting cascade around them. They had spent countless hours preparing for this moment, it had been a sorrow to learn that their beloved child wouldn't speak if he could help it. And now, here it was

 A sound that signified not just life, but a bond that would grow deeper with each passing day.

The two embraced their child immediately. Not caring about the other being know as Ming Yue to them, nor did they care about their bodies mingling together like they were all members of one body.

Ming Yue smiled so far as Hua Lei could see. There were no further emotions past boredom, which caused unease for the young boy who had the forced mentality of an infant. He had one more thing that he needed to tell the system. He backed away from the shared array.

'I know you and Shang Qinghua's system are the same.' the system decided that it would say nothing as it nodded slightly and stood up.

His parents were distracted and so saw person they knew as Ming Yue, the system, was trying to get all of them to leave the building and actively had to use its own influence over beings to guide them out. His A-die was the one who held him whilst Baba walked by his side.

The streets were much less crowded than before, which was very lucky indeed. In the morning earlier, this bustling area had been teeming with people at all hours of the day and night. The sound of shouting, conversation, and the trying to market their products to anyone, creating a vibrant atmosphere. However, now, as the small family walked down the once-busy thoroughfare, Hua Lei marveled at how calm and peaceful it had become.

With fewer people around, Hua Lei could hear the gentle rustle of leaves in the trees lining the sidewalk, and the soft chirping of birds perched above. The shops, once bombarded with customers, now stood with their doors wide open, welcoming the occasional passerby instead of the usual throngs.

 It felt as though the city had taken a deep breath, allowing for a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos that often defined urban life.

This newfound peace provided an unexpected joy for overstimulated Hua Lei who couldn't tolerate the many noises that had surrounded him. Hua Lei found himself appreciating the small details that often went unnoticed in the hustle and bustle - like the intricate designs of the buildings, though many had atrocious handwriting. It was a refreshing change, one that reminded me to embrace the quieter moments and find beauty in stillness. Although he was unable to identify what the time was in the many lights and never changing night sky.

Hua Lei felt the day? Night? Pass by him.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian looked upon his child.

The child known as silent song of death.

The young boy was now eleven years of age (soon to be twelve) and had become a figure of fascination, almost a myth in his own right. Whispers among the mortal realm suggested that he might be related to The Crimson Rain-Sought Flower. However, these theories remained mere speculation for the mortals who could only dream of such connections, but they were correct.

Hua Lei was no ordinary child; he was exceptionally competent and possessed a remarkable set of skills for someone so young. Even with Ming Yue, his unapointed personal guard, ever vigilant and hiding in the shadows to protect the blossoming flower that was Hua Lei, the boy’s talents shone through. 

On one unfortunate day, while his hands were busy with wooden planks he had gathered for a ghost's roof, Hua Lei found himself confronted by an attempted attacker. In an astonishing display of courage and quick thinking, he managed to defend himself with a skill that belied his age.

Witnessing this act of bravery, Xie could hardly consider how his child had existed in a past life and therefore would have killed someone. Hua Lei had transformed from a mere child into a protector, embodying the very essence of resilience and strength… his child forever throughout it all. 

The villagers began to speak of the fox with an air of fascination, as if he were destined for greatness, further fueling the myths surrounding him… although the knowledge of his son spread to form enemies. Those would arrive for far and wide in attempt to gain power and status. It didn't matter if they succeeded or not. Luckily, the entire city would protect Hua Lei.

His little Niu she cao liked being able to help the ghosts of ghost city even when the entities had to be careful with wording so as not to say something the little one couldn't respond to. Many resorted to yes, no Questions.

His child had also grown into a beauty that was still blossoming. He grew long hair reaching his ankles but had a gentle curl that made it reach his knees. The colouring was black but cascaded into an orange that matched his four tails. Hua Lei's eyes were golden and showed the contrast of his soul within. The gold shined brightly and was only emphasized by the darkness that hid in the corners.

Hua Lei felt too perfect to hear about, which was another cause for concern. Xie Lian wanted his child to be normal and live like any other would. His child wasn't spoilt or naive or pessimistic. He was strategic with his image. The many people who interacted with the child would claim him to be a very knowledgeable and fit into ideals. 

The image was too perfect and easy to taint. Everything had a drawback. Everything wasn't sunshine. If things were too perfect, they could claim ghost city as a cult. Not to mention how many reluctantly prayed to him as both the heavenly emperor and god of misfortune. His image was one of neutrality.

Xie Lian worried for his son, despite his blatant abilities. His husband agreed. Many of his enemies wished to cause harm based off of the rumours of The Silent Song Of Death. Most only knew of his existence based off the rumours.

Right now, Hua Lei had returned home.

Xie Lian was sharing tea with Sang Lang. It wasn't perfect since it was Xie Lian who made it, yet his beloved drank it like it was the cure to every illness. He smiled at his child spoke through the array.

'Hello, Baba and A-die. How were your days?' His child sat on the side in-between the men sitting in opposition. The three looked at eachother before Sang Lang began to speak. 

"My day was pretty good, except for the fact that Ming Yue has been on edge recently. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?" His beloved had a mischievous grin on his face as his child blushed from embarrassment of being caught.

'Yes, I admit it. I wish to leave once I turn twelve. Not forever! Just for a week…' Hua Lei used his peach-blossom eyes to attempt to cause the ghost and god to fold over that potentially cause a threat to his child. The two adults looked at eachother. Xie Lian was opposed to the idea whilst Sang Lang was neutral on the topic. 

Neither knew how to compromise on the event.One wished for the safety of their child whilst the other believed in their little Niu she cao's capabilities. Sang Lang sighed and requested something of his husband.

"Why not allow him to go while Ming Yue follows after as well as my wrath butterflies. Then we can observe Hua Lei whilst also letting him leave by himself for the majority." Sang Lang smiled at Hua Lei, who's eyes shimmered like the ocean in the bright summer mornings.

Xie Lian considered the experiment with trust for his child. It took a few minutes, but Xie Lian managed so that his child could grow independence in his future as a Huli Jing and making sure so that it could it say something peculiar .

The compromise felt like the experiment was a significant turning point for everyone involved. It meant that education was viewed aan important pursuit, far surpassing the trivialities and insignificance of merely living within the confines of their establishment. This shift in perspective not only fostered a sense of unity among the participants but also ignited a shared passion for knowledge and personal growth.

People began to realize that the true value of their time spent together was not just in the physical space they occupied but in the intellectual exchange and the ideas that could flourish within that environment. 

As a result, the community could grow stronger, and its members felt a deep sense of purpose, knowing that they were investing in something far more meaningful than mere existence. They were crafting a legacy of knowledge that would benefit future generations and empower them to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and insight.

That should be necessary.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei felt ecstatic when he learnt he could leave home for a day.

Both of Hua Lei's parents were absolutely aware that he would be going for much longer than initially stated. They pretended not to know that their son was not simply embarking on a short journey; he had a plan that burned brightly in his mind. His determination was unwavering, as he sought to prevent the major event that led to Shen Qingqiu's trial. 

Hua Lei was resolute in his mission: he wanted to stop the main reason why Shen Qingqiu was put on trial, to bring clarity to the murky circumstances that had ensnared his friend in a web of accusations that were true but with reason.

Hua Lei gazed upon the memories that floated in his mind, each scene filled with emotion and a strange sensation. Shen Qingqiu was a person who was hard to befriend, but it felt all too easy in the end. Shen Qingqiu heard the kindness and sincerity in both his tone and words.

The original scene for the trial was through thunreliable narrative of Luo Binghe. It was depicted as a deep and malicious event where Shen Qingqiu looked straight at Luo Binghe for a second before dismissing the demon emperor like he was a bug.

As he reflected on those memories, he realized he had forgotten minor details about the scene, such as the expressions on the faces of those present or the whispers that had rippled through the crowd. Nevertheless, the overarching feeling of injustice remained etched in his heart.

He knew that time was of the most important factor, and every moment he spent in contemplation was a moment that Shen Qingqiu remained vulnerable to the machinations of those who sought to tear him down. With a steely resolve, Hua Lei prepared himself to kill Qiu Jianluo himself. He would make Qiu Hataing watch just to avoid any confusion.

Sadly, Hua Lei wasn't set to leave for another week. His parents could be seen to follow him around all last week and this. Hua Lei looked at both them every time and continued with the prescribed task for that day.

Hua Lei was currently in his room, enveloped in a serene darkness - just how he liked it. The curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out the harsh lights of the city, creating a wave of tranquility. The soft glow of a single candle flickered on a small table, casting gentle shadows that danced across the walls. 

The sweet scent of jasmine incense filled the air, wafting around his room and consuming his senses in a day comparable to his childhood. As an eleven year old, he was a child still, but his parents were teaching Hua Lei how to be proper. The fragrance was thick, yet not overwhelming.

As he sat on his bed, he felt the soft fabric of the sheets beneath him, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside. His ears flattened against his head, instinctively trying to block out the noise of the city that never slept: the yelling of sales, the distant chatter of passersby, and the rhythmic thump of music leaking from nearby musicians.

Hua Lei closed his eyes tightly, allowing the world outside to fade away. In this sanctuary, he could lose himself, free from the demands and distractions of everyday life. He breathed deeply, inhaling the jasmine that seemed to carry away his worries and thoughts. This was his time, his space, a moment of peace amidst the chaos that would occur after Luo Binghe's birth, and he savored every second of it.

Hua Lei wasn't sure as to how Luo Binghe would react to him this time. Every time, so far, Luo Binghe has had eyes far too wide and looking like an imitation of a puppy rather than one. It was better to be safe than sorry.

Hua Lei attempted to cleanse his thoughts for only a moment. The darkness could spread in just like the incense, it would consume his flesh in the best way possible.

Hua Lei breathed in deeply, allowing the crisp air to fill his lungs. He focused intently, purging any distracting thoughts that dared to intrude upon his mind, letting go of everything that was separate from the vibrant senses surrounding him. 

The temperature within his medians felt uncomfortably mixed, creating an intriguing energy as tingles emerged across his skin, heightening his awareness of the world around him.

Hua Lei breathed out slowly, releasing the tension that had built up within him. He smiled broadly as he recognized the sensation of cold being expelled from his body, a refreshing relief that accompanied his exhalation. 

The child could feel his tails begin to swish side to side, a natural expression of his joy and excitement. In that moment, he felt deeply connected to his surroundings. The world around him seemed to pulse with life, inviting him to engage with it more fully.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei had already pecked things into his light over shoulder bag.

The design was rather close to a tote band, which he felt he was on the brink of forgetting about. Hua Lei approached his parents with a strange sense of comfort in being about to leave the world he had lived in for so long.

Hua Lei smiled at A-die, who was paying close attention to Baba's face. Which was not as positive as one would hope to see on their Baba's expressions and posture. It was stiff and uncomfortable, which was understandable!

Hua Lei only ever lived in Ghost city in this life except for the three months he spent in heaven. His Baba was someone who felt fear for the young fox's future. His A-die had yet to feel scared and instead felt anger over someone thinking they were able to touch his son.

"Goodbye, I hope you have a safe journey and return." His A-die spoke whilst resting his hand on Hua Lei's shoulder. Which was an obvious way to transfer luck with the two.

"Don't get in too much trouble." Baba spoke whilst having a mixed smile. His cheeks were formed as he smiled but the eyebrows were strained and tense compared to what Hua Lei was used to.

"You two act as if I haven't lived another life. I have, twice." Hua Lei responded with a flick of his tails and a huff to which his parents snickered. It was best to play it off with confidence even when he wished to return to the darkness.

Ming Yue showed itself in the shadows as the three parted farewell to eachother. The icy blue eyes stung with their deep hypothermia hidden within the ice caps. It approached the young fox specifically.

"You won’t allow our child to be harmed." A-die spoke with clear authority, his voice steady and unwavering, as he firmly clutched Baba in one arm while wrapping the other protectively around himself. 

His one eye burned with determination. In that moment, the system smiled although it bordered on malicious. The system knew that to keep Hua Lei physically unharmed but one shouldn't trust an inhuman creature. 

"I will not." The system didn't blink for a second too long, causing a painful reminder about the inhuman creature tasked with helping the fox. Hua Lei may trust Ming Yue, but he didn't want to.

Hua Lei walked forward to the exit for Ghost city. Ming Yue took an invisible form as it followed the Huli Jing with the same tolerance it had to everything. The Ghosts waved at Hua Lei but he walked past the same way the little one did when things needed to happen.

The outside world was currently a bright orange. Hua Lei had left at sunset. It… was beautiful. He hadn't seen one for years.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Shen Jiu was stuck in the Qiu mannor for. Two. Years.

Qi-ge had yet to return for him. Perhaps he had been discovered making his escape and the human traffickers had broken his legs. Perhaps he had been unable to find any food on his journey and being unwilling to beg, he'd starved to death. Perhaps his potential had been too meager, so none of the immortal mountains had been willing to take him in.

Shen Jiu even imagined walking to the ends of the earth looking for Qi-ge's remains, and how, after finding them, he would dig him a grave with his own two hands. Perhaps he would even do his best to shed a tear.

But a thought always managed to creep into his brain whilst the beast, Qiu would beat him relentlessly. The aches all over his body would remain for weeks after the blood had originally been ripped from the stiff shoes that Qiu Jianluo wore so frequently during those horrid days.

The thought was that Qi-ge was living his best life, without the burdensome shadow of Shen Jiu looming over him. In this newfound freedom, he felt alive, free to pursue his own desires and dreams. It was a life untainted by the memories of the past, memories of a time when he had been just a slave child, trapped in the clutches of despair and fear, desperately hoping for salvation. Shen Jiu had been the one person, who had trusted him with on those rat-infested streets, the one who had promised to help him escape from the merciless beatings that had become an all-too-familiar part of his existence.

The thought that hurt was: Qi-ge found himself in a world where he no longer needed a savior to shield him from the brutality that had once defined his days. He had taken his fate into his own hands, carving out a new identity as a disciple of Cang Qiong with a brighter future. With every step he took away from that dark past, he felt lighter, as if the chains that had bound him were finally shattered. He reveled in the little things - the warmth of the sun on his skin, the taste of fresh fruit, and the laughter of newfound friends who had no knowledge of his previous life.

Shen Jiu was suddenly approached by the beast whom had a malicious smile with deep eyes that bordered on red. His smile was stretched too far and the red of his gums was starting to be noticeable with the demonic grin. Some said demons were the worst monsters. Yet the creature before him stood as a true monster.

"Xiao-Jiu, who's your little friend who broke in?" … Did Qi-ge come for him? At least he attempted, it was better than the alternative… But there was no 'slave' part added onto the name, which caused some thoughts to stir within him.

"I am sorry to say that I don't know who you are speaking of." Shen Jiu hid his face behind his robes as he spoke in a monotone voice. Qiu Jianluo sneered at the young boy before kicking the child to his knees. The floor where their head now rested was cold and stained with coal that now decorated his robes.

But Qiu Jianluo couldn't respond. Shen Jiu saw the beast on the floor before the slave even had risen to his feet. Instead, stood a young child standing on the body of an unconscious monster known as a man. It only took one look to realise a massive detail.

The child was a huli Jing.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu watched over the much smaller figure of the Huli Jing.

The child wore a hat with a long silk veil that covered his entire body, so Shen Jiu wasn't even seen as worthy to even glance on something born from the heavens. His mother was a whore and slave blood coursed through his veins.

Shen Jiu was unsure as to how to react to the creature in front of him. The slave couldn't even identify their gender. Shen Jiu felt confusion before an all too common body rose. Qiu Jianluo gasped for air as he brought himself up from the floor he loved to beat Shen Jiu against.

The child stood still before throwing a knife at Qiu Jianluo. It hit the beast's throat and the being framing himself as a human rather than the vile abuser he was, crumbled back onto the floor.

Shen Jiu could hear guards call out about the Huli Jing before him. Their voices bordered on screams as they called for the young master who was lying within the blood that claimed himself to be man. He was not. Qiu Jianluo was a creature meant to punish Shen Jiu for a past life of villainy.

The young fox before Shen Jiu held out a knife. There were engravings in the leather of the handle. It was easy to grip. Shen Jiu looked at the reflection within the pristine dagger.

His hair was knotted, though not to the same extent as it was on the streets. Qi-ge always helped him undo the knotts, before the betrayal. Qi-ge had not saved him. Instead he had an untrustworthy being in front of him.

His deep green eyes bordered on black with the darkness within the darkness that was hidden within. The mind of the child was filled with killing the beast he knew was already dead… but the fox spirit before him was far to still and simply begging to be stabbed.

Shen Jiu darted towards the figure. He slashed at where the veil hid the boy, only for him to have jumped ever so high and landed on the other side of Shen Jiu's back. 

The body was ever so graceful. Like a petal falling from a rose. Shen Jiu watched with envy towards the young fox born to live in a higher realm, even one above all the disgusting young masters who forced the slave to the floor. They made Shen Jiu be reduced to his number only as well as forcing the slave to eat the loose soil in the ground.

Shen Jiu was unable to be worthy of hearing a heavenly being's voice or seeing it's face. The figure stayed still, without any hatred for Shen Jiu attacking. As if his efforts were futile for a creature who was a mortal as well as a slave child. Once again the figure pointed towards the dead body.

Shen Jiu had every inch of his hatred break free in that moment as he approached the 'man' with such intense disgust that he immediately stabbed the vile creature with the pristine blade of which he knew all too well. The steel glinted in the dim light, reflecting a horribly deep contrast to the grim atmosphere surrounding the two separate beings. Shen Jiu’s heart raced, each beat echoing the fury that had been simmering within him for far too long. Two years felt as if it was his whole life that he was killed by the vile abuser. It was the very air around him that had become heavy with resentment, and he could hardly contain the tempest of emotions that surged through his veins.

This was not just an act of violence; it was a culmination of years of fire, blood, and anguish inflicted upon him by this wretched being. Memories flooded his mind—images of laughter turned to screams, joy twisted into despair. Each recollection stoked the flames of his indignation, driving him forward with relentless determination. The blade felt comforting in his grip, a familiar extension of his will, and as he plunged it into the man’s flesh, he felt an exhilarating rush of liberation wash over him. The man was dead and his blood was starting to reflect the true nature of the being.

The man gasped, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief, and for a fleeting moment, Shen Jiu reveled in the power he held. The grotesque visage of his nightmare twisted in pain, and Shen Jiu found himself invigorated by the sight. Each drop of blood that spilled onto the ground felt like a release, washing away the stains of the past and clearing a path for a future unshackled from the chains of hatred. This Shen Jiu would never again feel a nightmare the same way he already had.

But even as he stood over the crumpling figure, a nagging doubt crept into his mind. One saying this act truly brought him peace, but the majority reminded him it merely plunge him deeper into the cycle of vengeance that proved to be worthless As he wrestled with these thoughts, he couldn't deny that this moment felt like the beginning of a new chapter.

Shen Jiu stopped his merciless attacks. The murder had not been from Shen Jiu's own hands, although it changed nothing. Qiu Jianluo was dead. He turned to find the Huli Jing leaving silently. In the corner of his eye he saw Qiu Haitang. The girl was looking at the Huli Jing who picked up a lantern before throwing it onto the wooden frames of the manner.

The building started to burn all too quickly and all too dangerous. Shen Jiu rushed out as soon as Qiu Haitang left whilst glancing at Shen Jiu. The slave looked at the carnage surrounding him. The amber hues that once cascaded now consumed the buildings.

"Young boy, you have a rare affinity for cultivation, I could sense it from hours away. Why doesn't young master join me as a rouge cultivator?" The man had the appearance of a con-artist. But it was better than being taken once more to be sold to child traffickers.

"I agree."

Shen Jiu knew the immense power was from the Huli Jing, but Shen Jiu refused to tell the cultivator of whom had not given his name.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei walked towards mountain tonglu.

His name as the silent song of death wasn't well known enough outside Ghost city. That needed to change. His name could grant him much more than he needed in terms of protection, but he required a mask. Hua Lei would prefer if he had the ability to have multiple personas that he could adopt for the occasion.

The walk was about two days from the mountain, so there were multiple villages in which he could purchase a mask. Hua Lei would prefer a fox mask if he had the opportunity, but any would do , so long as it wasn't half smiling and half frowning. 

Though if he wore the hat he was wearing as a mask, no one could find an identifying part of his body to look for. He would not even require new robes for a fight! It was decided. The system showed itself slowly as the two walked further. All the members involved with Hua Lei's leaving knew he wouldn't just stop at the place he had been so vague where Hua Lei was visiting.

Hua Lei walked further still as the darkness could only be illuminated by the manner he had burned not too long ago. He recalled how Shen Jiu wanted to kill him in the moment. It stung a little, but it was understandable. Shen Jiu had been hurt so many times by men with power or authority. Sometimes they didn't even require one to harm his past friend. Hua Lei let his hand capture a single tear that had fallen asleep he quickened his pace…

The system followed after silently as the wrath butterflies also made themselves visible as a warning for the young fox to return home, but he could not agree. It was his parents who desired for Hua Lei to never be hurt or be threatened. The only way that could be achieved is through power.

"Where are you going, young master Hua?" The system asked in a monotone voice. It was unnerving to have a female form be used in a cold manner when most women were at least trying to be seen as sweet.

'Mount Tonglu.' Hua Lei responded through the array with the same enthusiasm the system had shown in their question. The system sighed but did not show any further desire to stop the young fox, who had fallen into his human form for the first time.

The night slowly turned into day as the pair found themselves in a village. They were approximately two days apart from their destination, which was deemed acceptable to Hua Lei. The two entered the well known town. Cang Qiong mountain was very much visible as this was on the side of the world renowned cultivation sect.

Hua Lei glanced at the twelve peaks of the mountain before returning his gaze to the village. It was early morning, so half the expected amount for the area were occupied by people. Hua Lei went to the market place that was in the eastern part. The village had chosen that since it was the first place the light would hit and so it could open faster.

It was spring and the time of Ri Chu as the sun had just risen little time ago. The markets had just opened and there were around six people there without adding Hua Lei and Ming Yue. The system kept its gaze on Hua Lei as the young fox journeyed around the stalls.

Hua Lei instinctually gravitated towards the fan stores. Hua Lei stopped for a moment. He saw a fan that reminded himself of the friend he had almost forgotten in his second life. Xizhi-lang. It was a gentle green with a small snake upon a section of the bamboo. Hua Lei released a breath as he smiled and pointed to the fan.

The sales woman looked at the fan with a smile. "I will say that Young Master certainly can tell quality. Although many disregard this one fan due to it either being to calm or that the snake feels irregular. I believe in the second but my father, who made the fan, said that only a true man could understand it."

Hua Lei hated it. Why would someone say that to their child. Hua Lei held a hand out to the system and it brought out some pare and a pen with ink already present somehow.

別聽他的

'Don't listen to him' was inscribed on the paper as he payed for the fan with a golden leaf. The woman looked shocked at the payment, but Hua Lei left without a word. Even if he was able to speak, he wouldn't say anything. 

Hua Lei liked the fan. It was certainly of a good quality from the texture of the wood as he rubbed his finger on the sides before opening it to see the snake once more. Its body was ambiguous in size, reminiscent of Hua Lei's old friend.

Hua Lei hoped he wouldn't die this time, is all. At least not in front of him. Xizhi-lang seemed to always die, but he preferred the original where it was passing news rather than something he was forced to watch. The blood was something that had stained his memory but not Lui Qingge's floor.

Hua Lei sighed as he walked through the marketplace. There was no specific thing he was looking at. His body didn't need to eat right now, although he could pick something up for later, though he was able to eat now. Hua Lei decided to eat now. He walked to a stand and bought himself some food. The system didn't need to eat anyway.

Peking duck was soon brought out as well as rice. It tasted fine to eat. His A-die made better cooking, and he was used to his Baba's, so this food felt out of the regular for the completely different foods he was adapted to handle.

Hua Lei quickly left after he finished the strange meal.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng was forced to watch his child go to mount Tonglu with a determination he had not yet seen from his child.

Sometimes Hua Cheng recalled how his little Niu she cao had lived a past life, but it always slipped his mind during the day to day life. His little fox was strong, but he was weak in a few scenarios. He couldn't communicate, for one. It would be immensely difficult to live without his parents due to that inability.

His son would freeze sometimes. It was a small thing that Hua Cheng didn't even believe Hua Lei noticed. He would freeze when someone used a teasing tone with his name or had an ever present smile and especially if someone hugged him, and the ghosts were rather improper people, so it was common.

For finality, Hua Lei was quick to become overwhelmed. Both Hua Cheng and his beloved husband found Hua Lei crying in a corner for too many times. Although they were able to recall the amount due to it occurring every month or so, each felt so severe. Hua Lei would commonly try to have smaller breakdowns that were controlled in his free time. It didn't work for long.

Hua Lei was currently walking through the town after eating. He could see Ming Yue keeping a close eye on his son as she held an authorative aura that Hua Cheng could sense through his butterflies.

Just in that moment, Xie Lian had returned. His God smiled as he greeted him before asking the question he knew was coming. "Is Lei-er returning now?"

Hua Cheng sighed as he shakes his head. "He is heading towards Mountain tonglu currently. Ming Yue has protected his so far but our child holds a new air around him that he probably had in his past life."

Xie Lian frowns before sitting beside Hua Cheng on the bed, the man hunched as he thought of their little Niu she cao that certainly was taking control at the risk of others. "I suppose we both knew he wouldn't come back immediately, but become a Ghost King? I don't doubt he could, but it would attract attention."

"He would always be known, Gege. At least his name isn't as bad as your cousin's was. Night touring green lantern is a downright awful name. Not at all invoking any emotion or imagery." Hua Cheng drew himself closer to his beloved as he Raised Xie Lian's hand to rest a kiss upon it.

"You know we will force him into house arrest when he returns, Sang Lang?"

"Of course."

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Hua Lei continued his journey with The System at his side.

It kept its glare pressed on the young fox in such a manner that Hua Lei felt convinced to walk faster, but he refused to hand any authority to the thing he despised with his life. . . Eternal life? It didn't make sense since he knew all feelings would fade under enough time.

"Perhaps Young Master Hua could rest in the pavilion you once journeyed to. Young Master knows they allow things other than intimate moments." The system disguised itself as Ming Yue, the knowledgeable ghost rather well. Both knew Hua Lei's parents were watching his every step.

Hua Lei paused for a moment, taking in the comment from his guardian of the moment, before deciding to move forward. They were already on the brink of leaving the town, and Hua Lei did not wish to travel through over half of the village only to waste precious time. 

Hua Lei could feel the weight of the journey pressing down on him, but he knew that stopping now would only delay the Huli Jing and… whatever the hell the system was, further. With a shake of his head, he adjusted the veil upon his hat, feeling its silk sway gently in the wind, moving with a confidence and sense of elegance.

As they continued their trek toward Mountain Tonglu, Hua Lei let out a deep sigh, his mind swirling with thoughts of fatigue. The mountain loomed ahead, a majestic silhouette against the sky, but it felt miles away with each step he took. 

Despite his deep longing within Hua Lei's bones for rest, he was acutely aware that he had to keep moving forward. The knowledge of what he had to be pressed heavily on his shoulders, and the thought of becoming a Ghost King fueled his determination. He was not just doing this for himself; he was carrying the hopes of his need for the protection his Baba desired for him.

Hua Lei pushed aside his exhaustion, reminding himself that the he needed the title of his name to be known. With every stride, he was one step closer to his deep desire, and the reality of becoming a Ghost King spurred him on. After all, rest would come in time, but the journey to safety demanded time and unwavering energy that could not be spared on anything else.

Hua Lei smiled as he knew he could help his old friends without being in the picture for long, his status as a Ghost King could help with stopping a few unsavoury characters from rearing their disruptive heads.

Hua Lei pondered if he was able to kill Luo Binghe, though the system would probably restrain Hua Lei before he could try. "I would." Spoke The System, who had been listening to his conversation with himself?

What a breach of privacy!

Chapter Text

Hua Lei and the System walked into another town.

The two would soon arrive at Mountain Tonglu at their current pace. The young fox had the urge to show his tails and let them sway in excitement, but the child had to calm his emotions so that he wouldn't reveal himself, that would arouse attention.

Hua Lei despised attention. It was an emotion from others that could result in more attention and more until he would become a doll for everyone else who seemed him to be pretty enough. If he truly desired attention, he would take his mask off, reveal his heritage and then continue. But he would soon rather kill himself again than do that.

Hua Lei sighed as he trod forward. His shoes were covered in mud. He knew water was nearby as all towns had to be built near water for both trade and nutrition. He could vaguely hear the movement of the water with his ears. He had much more advanced hearing when he was in his Huli Jing form, but his hearing was better than any other human that he had interacted with.

Hua Lei continued his gradual walk across the densely populated town, a bustling hub of activity that reminded him of his home, Ghost City. The streets were alive with a variety of overwhelming sounds: vendors shouting, children laughing, and the distant hum of women learning to play a Pipa to either entertain a future customer or husband. 

As he strolled along the narrow sidewalks, he couldn't help but notice the lurid and eye-catching storefronts lining every inch of the overfilled streets, each one vying for attention with bright signs and tantalizing aromas wafting from nearby food stalls. The smell of grilled meats and freshly baked bread filled the air, he wasn't keen on the amount of sane smells with little to no difference.

He paused for a moment, taking in the lively scene around him. Groups of people gathered at outdoor tables, sharing meals and stories, their animated conversations blending into a harmonious chorus of life. This town, with its rich tapestry of stories for children and aunties gossiping, echoed the memories of his own childhood in Ghost City, where every corner held a story that was so tiring to listen to. They rarely had a message at the end, as well. 

Hua Lei felt a sense of home sickness flooded his senses. The familiar sights and sounds were just as overwhelming and difficult to be present next to it all, reminding him of the warmth and vibrancy of sounds people made in so many emotions Hua Lei once felt but no longer understood. Each step he took felt like a connection to his past life that he detested with his very own life and tails.

The system seemed to be far too smug when Hua Lei's eyes fell upon him. There was a light in its eyes that caused a shiver from the young fox as he tried to hide it, only for the thing to smile even brighter - revealing far too many teeth and far too much gum for any human to wish a wife to smile like that.

"Would Young Master Hua like to rest for tonight, we have much money to spare and you no doubt need rest and a bath." The system asked as it limited its smile, thankfully. People were starting to look.

. . . Perhaps a bath did sound nice? It had been a couple days and Hua Lei could feel his feet all too much with the excessive amount of walking the two had done without rest.

Hua Lei nodded at the system who then turned into an alleyway. The two walked until the system guided him into a brothel. The system seemed infatuated with the idea of Hua Lei going to one of these establishments, which could ruin his plan but this village was far away.

The system obviously had to speak for him, Hua Lei just hoped that the courtesans would not believe him to be narcissistic and above all others. Hua Lei's plan needed some adjustments - he realised - His plan for the future needed to account for the fact Hua Lei was unable to speak, so he couldn't do everything he first drafted.

"Greetings, my master and I require two rooms. No extra services." Ming Yue smiled at the young woman who was at the table. The woman reacted with a mix of fear and confusion at the woman who the system posed as.

"Perfect, that will cost seven wen? I'm sorry, guests, but I'm not sure how much it would cost without our… services. So I will book you the cheapest amount… though that's for an hour… eighty four wen? That sounds right." The flower had an unplucked aura that was very much staged for the two to find her cute. But no woman would act like that if she didn't require it and Courtesans were trained to form ideas on clients fantasies.

"One moment let me pay… where is it? … Young Master Hua… could you?" The system asked in a tone that was borderline mocking the woman in front of them but the Courtesan didn't seem to notice.

Hua Lei brought out his own money pouch and brought out double the asking amount. The woman looked shocked for a moment before pushing half the money back across the desk. "I can't accept this for only one night!"

"She's right, Young Master Hua. It's best we save our money and not be so… generous. People can take advantage of that trait in the future." The system held Hua Lei's wrist, but Hua Lei just twisted his head to look at the system before raising the veil upon it to show the seriousness in his eyes.

The system sighed as it retreated from the argument. Hua Lei pushed the money back and the woman eagerly told the two where they could rest that night and even guided the two.

She seemed nice, though money was a good way to entice others.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei desperately wished to bury himself in the bed.

Most beds were stiff and unyielding, their rigid frames providing little comfort for a young creature still finding its way in the world. It took a few too many years for his parents to truly realize that the young fox possessed a distinct preference for larger beds that could effortlessly mold to the shape of his form. These beds, with their plush cushioning and soft, enveloping materials, offered a sense of security and warmth that the hard, uncompromising surfaces simply could not provide.

As time went by, the young fox would often find himself seeking out the coziest spots in the den, curling up in the corners of expansive, inviting bed that allowed him to sink into the softness while feeling safe and snug. He would stretch out his limbs and tuck his nose under his tail, enjoying the gentle embrace of the bedding that conformed to every curve of his mixed but mainly human body.

With each passing night, it became increasingly clear to his parents that their son was not just any ordinary Huli Jing; he had developed an affinity for comfort that was quite remarkable. They began to notice how he would push his being far away from the rigid beds, opting instead for those that enveloped him in a borderline death trap with how much he sunk. 

This newfound understanding of their son's peculiar for time preferences sparked a change in their approach to providing a proper sleeping environment. They started to seek out softer, larger beds that would cater to his desire for comfort, ensuring that their young fox would have a restful night's sleep, ready for the adventures that awaited him in the morning. 

Now he sat on the bed of the brothel with the sheets of a red colour… it was stiff. Not as stiff as the many beds the young fox had rested on in his past life, but did not hold an ounce of the comfort of his past bed that he now realised he missed. Hua Lei sighed as the system set up a bath for the 'Young Master'. The name felt far too obnoxious to listen to. The system no doubt knew that.

Hua Lei stripped himself to his inner robes and the system signalled the bath was ready. Of course, the system knew he liked hot baths.  Once the system left, Hua Lei was able to shed his inner robed as well before plumiting into the water 

Perhaps women were right in how they burned themselves in the water - but it was so comfortable as the fox could relax all his muscles that had spent far too much time walking to cope.

Hua Lei also would not deny the burn. It was pleasant as he saw his jade skin turn flush at the borderline scalding water. The feeling brought pleasure as he didn't wish to try out his own healing properties within his body. He could scar of Hua Lei tried anything else.

Hua Lei relished the thought of being able to feel the delightful pain once more but let himself sink into the water as he released his tails from their hiding. The warmth was so kind to the young fox that he could not hold in his sigh.

His mind was completely cleared of any lingering thoughts as he smiled deeply while submerged in the water. The gentle embrace of the liquid enveloped him, creating a sense of tranquility that was hard to resist. A vivid picture of pure white flooded his mind through his closed eyes, reminiscent of fresh snowfall that fell upon Qing Jing Peak. This imagery brought a profound sense of peace and bliss, allowing him to momentarily escape the chaos of the outside world.

The aura of the room felt so comfortable and inviting that Hua Lei's mind debated the merits of surrendering to the soothing atmosphere and drifting off into slumber. The warmth of the water contrasted enchanted cool air surrounding him, adding to the overall sensation of comfort that wrapped around him like a his tails would tend to.

Hua Lei could hear the gentle rippling of the water, harmonizing with his relaxed heartbeat, creating a perfect symphony of sleep that beckoned him further. Each breath he took was filled with a sense of familiarity, making it increasingly difficult to resist the lure of rest that beckoned him from within. In this moment, all his worries faded away, replaced by a blissful matter of being that was equivalent to a sweet escape.

Hua Lei regretted the moment he made a decision to leave the warmth. As soon as both his feet met the ground, he started to shiver at the cold air despite it being slightly humid when the young fox had entered the room.

Hua Lei was able to redress himself in his inner ropes before collapsing on the bed. Although a whimper came from his mouth when he couldn't sink into the mattress. It was a cruel fate but Hua Lei remained far too exhausted to allow himself to not rest.

Hua Lei fell asleep far too easy once he adjusted to the harshness of the bed.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei woke up before dawn.

There was hardly any light that couldn't descend upon the little Huli Jing. The dim rays of the early morning sun barely showed past the window above the bed, casting a faint glimmer to display the shadows that crept around his room, taunting his laziness. But, his body felt physically incapable of tolerating the many inconveniences of the day ahead, as if every muscle and bone were weighed down by the school within him that curled around Hua Lei's muscles.

Hua Lei wasn't as strong as others tried to suggest. He was pathetic in how little he could handle. Even in this moment of solitude, Hua Lei found himself unable to muster the strength to get up from his place of slumber. It was far from what he loved, and despite its half-soft cotton and plush pillows, the bed was not truly his in name or spirit.

 It held no genuine warmth, no comforting embrace that whispered of home. They didn't even have his scent, a reminder of his own essence, which made the entire atmosphere feel even more hollow and foreign. Hua Lei couldn't deny how he missed his family.

How pathetic. The great Huli Jing that was supposed to hold so much knowledge and power ends up being the thing that can't go a week without his A-die and Baba. He missed them deeply. There was an ache around his body that twisted and curled in a sweet manner but he knew the stinging sensation was burning the edges of his scars of sorrow.

Each passing minute felt like an indefinite amount of time that bordered on , as the weight of socialising pressed down on him. The day ahead was rife with obligations and social encounters that he dreaded, and the thought of facing them filled him with a sense of unease. It was as if the world outside was a cacophony of noise, while he remained trapped in a silence that felt … bad. There was no other way to describe it. He couldn't even say to anyone he didn't wish to hear their stupid voices.

Their naive minds believed that everyone was, in some way or another, in need of a good conversation. This notion stemmed from their genuine belief in the false idea that everybody wishes to speak and be understood through conversing. Even Ning Yingying, who had often struggled with social cues in her younger years. She was a girl who hardly ever grasped the fine distinction of communication, frequently misreading expressions and gestures. 

However, as time went on, she slowly matured and developed into a master of her face and appearance to others. With diligent effort taught by the original Shen Qingqiu, she learned to navigate social situations more adeptly, honing her ability to read the room and respond appropriately to those around her. This transformation allowed her to connect with others in a way she had never imagined possible, turning her initial naivety into a profound insight into the nature of human interaction.

Hua Lei sighed deeply as he turned onto his side, feeling the familiar weight of the day ahead pressing down on him. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across his room, yet it did little to lift his spirits. He lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, debating whether rolling out of bed and landing on the floor might somehow be the best strategy for facing the challenges of the day. The idea seemed absurd, yet there was a strange comfort in the notion of starting from a low point, as if it would allow him to rise up with renewed determination.

He could almost hear the world outside bustling with life, people beginning their day as the sun was now fully risen, and Mountain Tonglu would open in two days. The bed felt like a sanctuary, yet he knew he couldn't linger here forever. With a heavy heart, Hua Lei weighed his options, trying to muster the motivation to face whatever awaited him beyond the warmth of his blankets. Perhaps it was time to embrace the day, no matter how daunting it seemed.

Hua Lei was abruptly interrupted by the System, which barged in with an overwhelming presence as it had just barged in. Its obnoxious attitude was impossible to ignore, and it cast a heavy shadow over the moment. The sensation it created was so intense that it felt as if tears were already welling up, ready to spill over. Yet, despite the emotional turmoil it stirred, the tears held no value or significance in this context. 

Instead, they seemed like a manifestation of frustration and helplessness, a response to the unwelcome intrusion. Hua Lei found himself grappling with a rush of conflicting feelings as he tried to process the situation. The System’s relentless demands and condescending tone only added to his distress, making it clear that this confrontation was far from over. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, leaving him to wonder how he would navigate the complexities of thisu unexpected interaction.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei looked at the System.

"Well, should we not go, Young Master Hua?" The System called out to him, a mischievous grin spreading across its human-like face, which was quite a departure from its usual demeanor. Today, it seemed oddly energetic, almost exuberant, as if it was attempted to seem more human. It had long given up in Hua Lei's past life to try act with playfulness. Hua Lei let his eyebrows bunch up to form a crease on his forehead. The hatred from his lack of self respect still impacting him, like the child he was.

Hua Lei wished he could inquire about the peculiar behavior of the System that had been assigned to him. However, at that moment, he found himself too overwhelmed by the coming actions to bother with such thoughts. He sat on his plush seat, the rise and fall of his chest indicating that he was still alive somehow.

Ll

Meanwhile, the System, designed to serve and assist, seemed to be lost in its own purpose as it stood idly by. It observed the young boy, its primary charge, and contemplated its role in the world around them. After a brief moment of hesitation, the System returned to its designated position beside Hua Lei. It recognized the fox's need for comfort and care, so it decided to take action. With a strangely soft step, the System began its task of finding a hairbrush, a simple yet thoughtful gesture to show its dedication.

As it rummaged through the small assortment of items nearby, the System finally located a delicate hairbrush, its bristles gleaming under the soft light from dawn. It felt horrendous to see as it was a generic line from a book, but nevermind. With careful precision, it began to brush Hua Lei's hair, each stroke gentle and soothing. 

Hua Lei despised the behavior of the person who had taken on a female form, now deciding to be so overtly friendly. It was as if they believed that adopting this guise gave them the right to invade personal space and engage in conversations that felt forced and insincere.

The transformation seemed to come with an unwarranted sense of entitlement, as if their new appearance granted them a special status that allowed them to interact with Hua Lei in a motherly way. The fucking bitch had already taken him from his original home with his original family. Hua Lei couldn’t help but feel a deep-seated irritation at this facade, which seemed to prioritize superficial charm over anything man-made. 

Each overly cheerful action felt like a thinly veiled attempt to manipulate emotions, and Hua Lei was not one to fall for such tricks. Instead of warmth, their friendliness felt like a mask hiding ulterior motives, and Hua Lei was determined to keep their distance from this disingenuous display, fully aware that authenticity was far more valuable than a hollow smile.

'why are you acting like this?' Hua Lei asked through the array to the system. The System just smiled in response as if nothing mattered… Hua Lei despised how The System was pretending it couldn't hear in that moment as it made him want to speak more.

Was that intended?

If so, it could be preseeved as being smart, but Hua Lei held no true respect towards the being of inhuman behaviour. Though what classified as being inhuman? Hua Lei wasn't entirely sure but he knew that the System was the definition

Hua Lei let his fingernails dragg lines across sides that bi lingical human would enjoy.

But Hua Lei just shrugged it off before finding the right place in his mind to get up from the seat. His nerves managed to slow his body down excessively due to the rest Hua Lei still needed. His mind blurred as he remained still whilst glaring at the system for its cruel smirk

Hua Lei walked with purpose to retrieve his hat with the veil and place it on his head. The Huli Jing made sure that the System couldn't see how much he both physically and mentally relaxed as Hua Lei could be hidden from view. Hua Lei had checked very frequently on how well others could see through the veil compared to him and found that most were unable to even see his figure - which would prove useful

Hua Lei sighed once for as he attempted to find the motivation to live for the day. It seemed too peculiar for no significance in the long run. A name meant nothing even with fear behind it since Hua Lei would be forgotten when he died and moved on to a new world. The System let itself leave the room without a further room whilst Hua Lei rid the room of any evidence that the boy even existed.or couldn't.

Hua Lei let the ache in his bones free, allowing it to spread throughout his weary body like an old, familiar friend. Each sigh that escaped his lips carried with it the weight of unspoken sorrows and unfulfilled dreams. As he sat in solitude, the empty void within him grew deeper, expanding into a chasm of despair that seemed insatiable. Memories of happier times flickered like distant stars, but they were quickly swallowed by the darkness that surrounded him. 

He felt as though he were standing on the edge of an abyss, peering into the depths of his own melancholy. In this moment, it became painfully clear to him that he was trapped in a cycle of longing and regret, unable to break free from the chains of his own mind. The world outside continued to move forward, yet he remained stagnant, grappling with an overwhelming sense of hopelessness that threatened to consume him entirely

Chapter Text

Hua Lei descended past the stairs.

He made sure to observe everything around him, absorbing every detail while the System kept its unyielding gaze fixed on the Young Master. Hua Lei despised being referred to as 'Young Master Hua,' a title that felt more like a shackle than a badge of his status.

He found it both embarrassing and infuriating that others insisted on using such formalities, especially in moments where he preferred to blend into the background. However, he understood that, in this particular situation, adopting that title was necessary to allow him to not speak due to superiority.

Hua Lei saw the young woman from yesterday. She seemed to lighten up when she saw the two although her gaze mainly fell on Hua Lei - be it because the System did not seem to care or Hua Lei was generous yesterday.

"Hello! I mean… Greetings Young Master… Hua? I hope that you had a wonderful rest. Is there anything more i could do for you?" The woman greeted with a warm smile and had such a relaxed posture. Hua Lei actually enjoyed her smile and wanted to stay for a while.

"No, Young Master has a task. It will be opened today, you need to go." The System acted with a cruelty that held emotion rather than inhuman misunderstanding. But Hua Lei needed to go to Mountain Tonglu.

Hua Lei's veil swayed gently as he turned to leave the entrance to the brothel, a delicate dance of the tinted fabric swirled with him. He glancing back to capture the expression on the woman's face, a canvas painted with common feelings. Beneath the surface, he could discern the unmistakable hint of disappointment, a subtle crack in her otherwise polished demeanor. Yet, this disappointment was mainly concealed behind a carefully crafted smile, a skill honed through countless encounters and years of practice.

Being a courtesan was not merely a profession; it was an life that demanded perfection. The world outside expected them to radiate grace and charm at all times, to embody an ideal of beauty and contentment, even when their hearts felt heavy. Even after the loss of their so-called purity, they were still objects to use for personal pleasure.

Hua Lei considered the life they had to live and decided it would be far easier for him than others. He was unable to speak and so had one less thing to worry about. In addition, the System would never let him be less than stunning if that was what a task required.

Perhaps… although it would be difficult as well. Not many people would be calm and there were many fights within a brothel. Many who go have given up on honour and were not above fighting within one. Hua Lei was easily sensitive due to his enhanced senses.

Hua Lei looked down as he passed on by. The autumn was casting its orange leaves across everything. It fits with his tails as well. That thought was something that Hua Lei enjoyed thinking about. If he released his tails, they definitely would be swaying in the joy of freedom. But they would already have been free.

Hua Lei continued with his walk, the rhythmic crunch of leaves beneath his feet echoing in the stillness of the rising morning, it was the hour of Shi shi. The sun was glowing as a cool wind made the leaves dance. As he ventured deeper into the forest. The System seemed to have developed a new-found obsession with observing Hua Lei, its icy eyes filled with a peculiar excitement.

The System was likely contemplating the various outcomes of their impending arrival at Mountain Tonglu. With each step, Hua Lei could feel the weight of the expectations pressing down on him. The thought of what awaited him at the mountain loomed large in his mind. Hua Lei knew he would become even more of a murderer - but when you kill more, your identity doesn't change as you are still a monster for killing another.

Hua Lei saw the towering live volcano and giant mountain range that used to be the Kingdom of Wuyong. Within the volcano lies the City of Gu, which will open its gates every few hundred years and grant ghosts the opportunity to become a Supreme, a ghost of the highest ran rank. This time: it had to be Hua Lei.

The young Huli Jing still had a fantastic recollection of the spells from his past and was able to cast them with ease. He had spent countless hours practicing the incantations, honing his skills until they felt second nature to him. 

A few years prior, he decided to test his abilities with a few small spells that were subtle enough not to catch the attention of his A-die and Baba. He carefully summoned a gentle breeze that rustled the leaves of nearby trees, a simple trick that brought nothing to his heart. It was boring to think about how nothing had changed.

As he continued to experiment with his magic, he felt a sense of pride in his accomplishments. He had the ability to use it well, and it was a gift he cherished deeply. Hua Lei knew his theory was correct: you didn't need royal blood to wield magic effectively. 

Hua Lei smiled shifted as he thought of Youya. The child, who was around two years older than Hua Lei was in this body, was mainly unable to use the spells without directly looking at the book bestowed upon him by Hua Lei himself.

Hua Lei shook off the lingering thoughts of his chosen little brother, the memories swirling in his mind like autumn leaves caught in a gentle breeze. He reminded himself that those memories belonged to a different life, a past existence that had long since faded away. 

In that life, he had made choices that shaped his path and ultimately led to his rebirth as Hua Lei. The child he once cherished, was a connection to a world he could no longer access. It was a bittersweet realization that he had to come to terms with; that child and the person he was back then would never meet him again. 

Hua Lei couldn't find it within himself to desire the same connection the young boy craved. Youya was far too aware and once he had died, Youya would have become King of the Eastern Demonic Kingdom. Hua Lei pondered if he would be a good king.

But he didn't have time as the two figures stopped before Tonglu Mountain.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei admired the sight surrounding him.

The forest was surrounded by a foreign display of autumn leaves for the boy who always remained within Ghost City, which fell gracefully from the trees, creating a vibrant painting of colors on the floor. The brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow danced in the gentle breeze. Each leaf dedicated itself of the season's transition, inviting the Ghosts who wanted the power to the death trap of Mountain Tonglu. Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting warm, golden rays that illuminated the foliage, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.

 The air was absent in the large area, or perhaps Hua Lei was simply used to it, filled with the scent of damp soil and the faint aroma of decaying leaves, which served as a sign for the murders that would soon occur.

This enchanting forest, with its strange array of colors, felt like a false image, a place where one could escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hua Lei desired to show the true cruelty of the world, a strange and striking world that spat blood at all, where the weak fell prey to the whims of the powerful. He had witnessed countless acts of betrayal and violence. That was how all worlds were. 

Hua Lei desired to bathe the floor of the mountain in blood, not for the sake of violence itself, but as a means to awaken those who were indifferent to the pain around them. He envisioned a scene that would at least induce some fear of retribution in those beasts, a vivid scene that could no longer be ignored. He imagined the crimson stains against the stark, cold stone of the mountain, a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who had suffered in silence for far too long. His father had killed before, although it was for a noble reason. Hua Lei wasn't pure though.

In his mind, this act would be a catalyst, igniting a fire within the hearts of those who had believed The Silent Song Of Death was nothing compared to the other Ghosts who were commonly named. The blood would serve as a reminder of the cost of ignorance of Hua Lei's existence as a being of death.

Hua Lei stood frozen in place as he beheld the appearance before him. The ghost took on the form of a boar, its spectral body burning with an otherworldly aura that felt disgusting. This unsettling figure exuded an aura of malevolence, and its voice, when it spoke, was raspy and low - reminiscent of an aged man whose life filled with unearned privilege. The tone carried a sense of entitlement, as if the ghost believed that everyone existed solely to serve his whims and desires. 

This leecherous spirit seemed to revel in the discomfort of others, taking pleasure in asserting dominance over those he encountered. Hua Lei felt a nauseating feeling tower over his being, realizing that this was not just a mere figment of his imagination but a tangible entity that embodied greed and oppression. The air around him grew heavy with the weight of the ghost's presence, and Hua Lei knew he had to confront this daunting figure, lest he succumb to the dark influence that lingered in the air.

Hua Lei brought forward the sword from his past life, the one enscribed Huanggua, or cucumber. The flexible sword made a noise that made the disgusting creature turn its face. Its eyes pinpointed on Hua Lei. Hua Lei lifted his arm in a clockwise motions as the sword followed. The movement was swift and deadly with its precision.

The boar foolishly decided to charge at the Huli Jing. It was a mindless being who held no knowledge. It was clear the thing seemed death.

(¬‿¬)

And it became even more clear as the animalistic being that was once human was split at its own waist.

Hua Lei looked back at the now fully dead creature. Blood oozed slowly as if it was unsure what to do. Blood didn't even flow with ghosts. It was just held. It had no use. The ghost would be reborn if their ashes were not destroyed in one way or another.

The thing had its ashes hidden in a necklace…? Idiot. Hua Lei crushed the pendant in his hand as he watched the ghost fade into dust. A smile greeted Hua Lei as he giggled to himself about the stupidity of the creature who was now dead and couldn't even reincarnate since to be a ghost, one had to hold a grudge.

Hua Lei turned back to tread forward whilst the System followed but with an expression that Hua Lei disliked. It was looking at the Huli Jing with pity that caused Hua Lei's face to scrunch up. The System smiled at the face and brought itself closer to Hua Lei.

Hua Lei despised the System who was grinning like everything was according to plan whilst before it acted like everything was going to shit. Hua Lei desired to see hatred lacing its false features of a woman.

Hua Lei stepped past the inconsistent and rocky path. It was a graceful dance - Hua Lei sometimes pondered about dancing… perhaps he could learn if he desired to pursue the kind of life that would be best this time. The System barely was walking with how robotic its movements were.

The System had seen Hua Lei kill before. His A-die and Baba both had many enemies who desired to kill anyone who they considered to be close to the ghost and God. There were rumours about the two having a child but there was little proof other than Hua Lei's existence, though he was not seen as their child by anyone past those who had seen the God with Hua Lei and the Ghosts who lived in Ghost City.

Hua Lei could only hold respect and power through being The Silent Song Of Death.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng was surprised to see through the wrath butterflies, what had occurred.

Hua Cheng knew, deep down in the corners of his heart, that his son was a murderer. It was something that the Ghost King knew he needed to be to survive in such a world. Each time he heard whispers of violence or caught wind of a crime in their city, a part of him felt relieved his son could handle himself. Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the brutality he would witness this time.

As he paced the dimly lit room, the weight of his little Niu she cao's actions pressed down on him like a heavy shroud. His little fox had killed without any noticeable emotion this time, a chilling contrast to the innocent laughter that usually filled their home. It was as if a switch had flipped, transforming the child from a playful, carefree spirit into something far more unsettling. 

The act itself had been swift and calculated, devoid of the typical hesitation or fear that one might expect from someone so young. Instead of the shock or remorse that might have accompanied such a grave action, there was a cold detachment in his demeanor. Hua Cheng once again forgot that Hua Lei had lived another life.

The boy simply looked at the scene before him, his expression eerily calm, as if he were observing a fascinating experiment rather than a tragic event. This unsettling behavior weighed heavily on the Hua Cheng's heart, filling him with a mix of dread and confusion. How could his child, whom he loved so deeply, exhibit such a stark lack of feeling? It was a question felt strange to ask. Hua Cheng had killed before - and not always for a noble reason, but his son was different than him.

Hua Cheng recalled the boy he raised, the laughter that had once filled their home, and the dreams he had nurtured for him. How had it come to this? It was as if a chasm had opened between the father and son, a vast distance that no amount of love could bridge. The boy he had known seemed to have vanished, replaced by someone who had seen the full extent of cruelty this world would give. With his heart heavy and his thoughts racing, Hua Cheng couldn’t help but wonder what had driven Hua Lei down this crimson stained path. 

Hua Lei could not yet accept that his son wasn't the perfect little flower he knew. His name as the little Niu she cao would soon change to The Silent Song Of Death. Hua Cheng understood the need for power now. 

Hua Lei was afraid.

Both Hua Cheng and Xie Lian knew their son had experienced a lot to not even be able to speak, but now Hua Cheng could understand the stakes. Hua Cheng understood them too well. Hua Lei was acting in the same way a child who lived as a slave for another would. But Hua Lei couldn't be a slave.

Slaves fit on two sides of a spectrum. They were either visious or pitiable. Each were meant to survive in one way or another. The vicious would attempt to fight by any means necessary to guarantee not to be harmed by those of authority. The pitiable would use a high pitched voice and large eyes to grasp onto anyone who was strong enough and had a 'noble' heart.

Hua Lei didn't act like either. He acted like it was a necessity not to speak. He feared contact but didn't fight it and would seek it out from those he trusted, but not like the other side. Hua Lei acted as if he needed to be nothing more and nothing less than what he was.

Based off of Hua Cheng's deduction, Hua Lei was born t power, only to have it be stripped of him. Hua Lei took to the finest of the world as if it was common like it was all he had experienced. But he didn't act spoiled. If anything, Hua Lei was always on the edge of his seat when objects were brought up, like it was about to be mentioned how his would be taken away.

Hua Cheng looked back through the butterfly to see that not even the body remained. Hua Lei had struck at the ashes hidden in a necklace. It was just there… in a bottle. The ashes were clearly ashes and were on his own body? That was foolish… but rather close to his own actions.

Hua Cheng sighed as he saw the ghost fade away. When Hua Cheng heard Hua Lei claim to be heading to Tonglu Mountain, he thought that Hua Lei would sneak into the kiln, or make Ming Yue fight everyone for him. But if Hua Lei could remain as intimidating as he was in that moment, everything would go well.

Hua Lei was strong, Hua Cheng couldn't even doubt it. Hua Lei had once broken a tree with his fists when he was only six, and doing his first favours for Ghost City. Hua Cheng had laughed at the sight whilst ruffing his hair. His little Niu she cao had proven he would be as flamboyant as his A-die in that moment, with how extra getting that wood was. There was clearly a carpenter who he could buy spare wood from.

Hua Cheng laughed once more before turning to his husband, who had just walked up the stairs from the gambling den. Hua Cheng had no idea how to explain what had happened to his beloved, but Hua Cheng would find a way. He only hoped his husband would be easy on punishments for their son.

Xie Lian was rather struck when writing practice began.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei heard blood dripping behind himself.

The slaughtered bodies of ghosts were staining every surface, their ethereal forms twisted and contorted in a strange display of violence. The air was thick with a chilling silence, broken only by the occasional drip of their useless blood, which committed the crime of displaying itself in such a repulsive manner. It pooled in darkened corners, a stark reminder of the brutality that had unfolded. The bodies were cut with precision, as if they were ingredients laid out for an unholy feast. And in a sense, they truly were. They were the messy ingredients, the very essence of despair and suffering, intended to form the fine cuisine of the title of Ghost King.

Each spectral figure, once full of life and spirit, now lay reduced to mere components in a sinister recipe. The Urumi blade glinted ominously in the dim light, slicing through the veil of what remained of their existence. In this grim cave, the boundaries between life and death blurred, and the act of creation turned into an act of destruction. 

The air was heavy with the scent of sorrow, mingling with the senses of pure anguish from lack of power as life finally escaped, for now at least, creating a gruesome aroma that hung over the scene like a shroud. Every cut, every dismemberment, was a testament to a demonic art, a ritualistic preparation for a coronation that would never be attended. 

Hua Lei viewed the individuals around him as mere pawns in the vast and intricate game he orchestrated. To him, their lives were nothing more than fleeting moments, devoid of true significance. Each person was simply a pawn on a chessboard, manipulated and sacrificed according to his whims. 

In his eyes, their hopes, dreams, and struggles were inconsequential, overshadowed by his relentless pursuit of the needed power. They had already lived, they could rest in peace. The emotions they displayed, whether joy or sorrow, were just background noise in the grand scheme of his ambitions. 

They were tools to be used, discarded once they no longer served a purpose. The depth of their existence meant little to him; it was their utility that mattered most. In the little foxes world, the game was all-consuming, and the players were expendable. He reveled in the thrill of orchestrating their fates, completely indifferent to the chaos he left in his wake.

His tail began to sway when he looked back at the scene. His senses were far greater in his Huli Jing form rather than human or even fox. Every drop of blood was an orchestra for his sensitive ears, but it was oh so satisfying.

The System looked at Hua Lei as if he was a God in that moment and was so pleased with those actions. Hua Lei grimaced at the possessive look in the System's eyes. He unconsciously let a growl be released… Hua Lei had never growled before. He never needed to. 

He felt disgusted by those animalistic response.

Hua Lei brought himself away from the System, but it followed only a few steps behind the young fox. Hua Lei couldn't resist the System's presence. It had killed one of the creatures that Hua Lei was too bored to kill. The System served its purpose and allows for swifter claim to the throne.

The darkness only grew more oppressive as the caves became narrower. Hua Lei could feel a shift in power coursing through the air, a tension that signaled the kiln was drawing near. A smile twisted its way onto Hua Lei's face, a mix of anticipation and excitement bubbling within him as he reached closer to the kilns placement. Each step he took echoed softly against the stone walls, the sound amplifying the stillness that surrounded him.

 He could almost taste the ancient energy that lingered in the cool, damp air, urging him forward. With each passing moment, his heart beat faster, a steady rhythm that matched the mounting thrill of what lay ahead. The darkness, once intimidating, now felt like a cloak that wrapped around him, hiding him from prying eyes as he ventured deeper into the mysterious depths of the caves.

"I can finally regain what those fuckers in heaven stole from me!" A voice called. It was a man with a resemblance to his Baba. While not many of their features look alike, their noses, lips and the contours of their jaws are similar in shape. The figure had high, sharp brows and thin, slanted eyes. The man's face was rather broad, and he had an air of nobility, appearing mature. 

It was Qi Rong.

Hua Lei placed a charismatic smile upon his face as he drew closer to the ghost. His steps were silent as the man let deep breaths in and out like he needed to breathe as a ghost. He didn't.

"My youngest master wishes good days that you have experienced will continue." The System spoke as if the words held no value to Hua Lei, ruining his plan. It wasn't like Hua Lei intended to kill his uncle.

"Huh? Who the fuck do you think you two fuckers could be?" Qi Rong spoke as if he had no social training whatsoever. It was strange but the system responded best.

"My master is Hua Lei. Son of Hua Cheng, crimson rain sought flower, and Xie Lian, the heavenly emperor. He is your nephew, as well." The System spoke with no tone further than what was needed. Qi Rong did not respond well.

"WELL WELL WELL. LOOKS LIKE THE DOG AND THE DOG FUCKER ACTUALLY MADE THEIR OWN PUP!" The ghost's voice was activating. But Hua Lei wouldn't kill the man. He couldn't. Sadly.

Hua Lei sighed as he told the system to say one thing. "My master has killed all others on mount Tonglu, but he offers you a means to leave and avoid death. Only if you are willing."

Chapter Text

Hua Lei stared down at the insane Ghost before him.

The ghost was quick to laugh and the laughter stretched on as if it was unable to stop. The irritating sound scratched upon Hua Lei's ears until a part of his grew tired at it.

Hua Lei used his Qi to shape Huanggua into a solidified state that showed it to be a regular blade, only with red colouring. The then stabbed right next to Qi Rong's cheek at a speed in which the idiotic ghost had to pause for a few moments.

"What? Can't even speak a word, or do you believe yourself to be above me? Ha! Makes sense for the spawn of such a-" Before he could finish, Qi Rong's own sight went dark again, and his cheek exploded in agony as he spewed blood from his mouth - he himself again. However, this punch wasn't from Xie Lian, who punched him exactly like that, it was from Hua Lei.

Hua Lei's fist was faster thank the eye could possibly track, and he only eyed Qi Rong with a cold glare. "Wow! You hit me? YOU ACTUALLY HIT ME! HA! HAHAHA. WOW. A PUP CAN ONLY REPEAT WHAT IT SAW THE DOGS DOING BEFORE IT."

Qi Rong spilt every inch of insanity in the drips of blood soaking his words into the vulgar image before Hua Lei. The young fox pointed to an area of space before a portal seemed to emerge. It was nothing normal in this world and Qi Rong rightfully showed it with the gap in his speech.

"Traded your voice for power or something. No one else can just… make that. Cultivators and God's have to learn talismans and are not in a specialized location, but that. That is the heavenly realm. I haven't been there is over two hundred years! Are you sure I'm the insane one. HAHAHA HA."

"I shall remain with you whilst my master goes into the kiln." The System spoke as if the ghost before them was a logical person when he wasn't! Hua Lei scoffed before he walked into the place he had to be. If one aren't strong enough they will suffocate and be burned to ashes.

Hua Lei could break out. Once he absorbed the power he required. He sat on the smooth surface that somehow felt as if it would cut him and his robes. Hua Lei placed his body in lotus position before he began to meditate. The Qi in the air was dense but was easily absorbed. Meditation only allowed him to absorb every inch that infused with the atoms in the enclosed space.

Soon enough, the darkness felt heavy on his body. Hua Lei let his mind be guided by the white string that was always a few steps a head of him, just out of reach. 

The image pushed him forward still. Faster, but not overwhelmingly so. He brought one step into a jump and finally caught the string.

Calm.

Hua Lei broke through the kiln.

He took a deep breath in and then slowly exhaled. The air around him was refreshingly bright and cheerful, invigorating his senses and filling him with a sense of renewed energy. A warm smile planted itself on Hua Lei's lips, spreading a feeling of joy through his entire being. He felt as if the very essence of the morning was wrapping him in a comforting embrace, urging him to embrace the day ahead with open arms and an open heart.

But then. He saw his Baba's face.

"Look who is now a Ghost King." His Baba had a worried expression on him that was disguised as being calm. His Baba's posture had fallen a little too forward and there was a crease on his forehead.

Hua Lei responded with an awkward smile as he fell into himself. Hua Lei had his back hunched as he lowered his head in response and let himself sigh. Hua Lei knew there would be punishments for going to Tonglu Mountain.

Hua Lei could only hope the punishment was light.

"LOOKS LIKE-" The System swiftly moved to intervene, blocking his mouth with its hand as Qi Rong continued to scream a list of profanities towards the two individuals standing before him. His voice, filled with rage and frustration, echoed through the air, laced with a mix of anger and desperation.

The tension in the atmosphere thickened as Qi Rong’s fury intensified, each word more venomous than the last. Despite the System’s attempt to silence him, the sheer force of his emotions was palpable, radiating from him like an uncontrollable storm.

The two individuals remained calm, seemingly unfazed by the onslaught of insults, their expressions unreadable. They exchanged glances, their silence only adding fuel to Qi Rong's wrath, as he struggled against the System's grasp, desperate to unleash his pent-up emotions. The scene was charged with an electric energy, a clash of wills that promised to escalate further if not contained.

"You will be under house arrest for two years." Baba responded like he was reprimanding a student. His voice stiff and stern, but still sounding calm and controlled. Hua Lei looked shocked at the information as he rushed forward to grab his Baba's sleeves like the child he was.

Baba did not show any hint of wavering at the childish display. Hua Lei brought forth his puppy eyes as he pouted, his expression a perfect blend of innocence and longing that tugged at the heartstrings of everyone around him. The corners of his mouth turned down slightly, and he glanced up with a hopeful gaze, as if silently pleading for something he desperately wanted. His big, round eyes sparkled with an irresistible charm that made it impossible for anyone to resist his adorable demeanor. It was a look that had often gotten him out of trouble, and today seemed no different as he tried to win over the hearts of those nearby.

Baba sighed as he looked away. "Fine, but you still have to spend the whole time in the heavenly realm."

Hua Lei was fine with that.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian sighed as he looked at Hua Lei.

Xie Lian saw that the young Huli Jing had changed from the young Huli Jing's typical glee and mischief to being cold in behaviour. Normally the young Huli Jing would have had kindness and joy reflected in their bright and lovely gold eyes, but instead, light glittered very brightly in the eyes of Hua Leis and struck fear into Xie Lian's heart about what was really going on.

It was as if the being had an abundance of knowledge that should have never been known by anyone. Knowledge that could lead to misunderstandings, problems or even war. Understanding what it meant to have a feeling in the gut made Xie Lian's heart ache for all beings. He well understood that all beings deserve empathy and compassion, regardless of what they are. Yet as he struggled with his feelings over the young Huli Jing's eyes, he was left with uncertainty as to how to address the situation, as he did not want to add to the malaise or misunderstanding that existed between the beings.

He pondered over the best method to address his concerns, weighing his words carefully in his mind. He could confront Hua Lei directly, or could it be wiser to observe quietly for a while longer. The uncertainty gnawed at him, and he knew he had to find a way to bridge the gap between his instincts and the reality before him. 

Hua Lei wasn't doing much these days, as his existence in the heavenly realm hadn't yet done anything. He couldn't leave this ethereal space anyway, bound by Xie Lian who happened to be the heavenly emperor. The shimmering clouds and radiant light that surrounded him held no excitement anymore. The few beings he encountered were mere acquaintances; there was no one he truly knew well enough to share his thoughts or feelings.

In moments of leisure, he often found himself gazing at his little Niu she cao, a creature that managed to bring a flicker of joy to his otherwise dull days. It looked so adorable, especially when it playfully debated the nuances of punishment with him, its fluffy ears bouncing with every enthusiastic gesture. However, the lightheartedness of those moments felt like a distant memory now.

As he sat in solitude, Xie Lian couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness that had settled within him when observing Hua Lei. His usual spark had faded, leaving him looking almost lifeless. The vibrant energy of the heavenly realm, once a source of inspiration, now felt suffocating, trapping him in a cycle of despair. He longed for a change, a glimmer of hope, or at least a friend to share his thoughts with.

Autumn was beautiful down on the mortal realm, with vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold painting the landscape. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of fallen leaves, creating a picturesque scene that seemed almost magical. Xie Lian partially felt bad that it had been so long since his son had the chance to experience the changing seasons in all their glory, as he had spent all his life trapped in Ghost City. 

The fleeting beauty of autumn reminded him of the joys of life, the warmth of the sun, and the laughter of children playing outside. It pained him to think that his son had missed out on these simple yet profound moments, moments that made life rich and meaningful. Xie Lian longed for the day when they could walk together under the colorful canopy of trees, sharing stories and enjoying the beauty of the world around them.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei looked out at the heavenly realm.

It was a world that seemed far too foreign to the one he had known throughout this life. There was a level of uncertainty in the young Huli Jing as he looked at the constantly bright blue sky. It felt so difficult to look up and find not a single star in the world above him.

Hua Lei dreaded going outside and feared being looked at by others. The fear of being preseeved caused a void in his chest. The borders of that void were more like cracks that were laced with a sweet poison that felt heavily sugary to the point of being rotten.

Hua Lei did not wish to leave at all. The sky felt too bright. He may wear a fringe to at least protect his eyes from some of the light but it still felt unbearable to see the mono coloured blue cage surrounding him.

Hua Lei did not wish to communicate at all. People were pushy - especially when they felt entitled enough to do so without punishment. And Gods were always praised by mortals to become cocky. Hua Lei would no doubt be subjected to either being looked down upon or being seen as another person who will fawn over them.

Hua Lei sighed as he closed the window to his room. Darkness could once more consume his life. Hua Lei desired darkness to take its place within him. As the Yin and Yang said in darkness, there is light and in light, there is darkness. Hua Lei preferred Yin. There was a trust in someone who was cruel having good within them rather than the opposing. It can instantly cause a reader to feel sympathetic.

Hua Lei rested upon his bed. The heavily plush bed caused him to sink inwards. Hua Lei let a small smile grace his lips as he lied down. Hua Lei could lose himself in the smallest of sounds. He didn't have to be absorbed by it all. He just let his muscles die in that small moment.

Hua Lei saw how his father was looking at him. Like he was a broken pot that could be fixed with gold, like with Kintsugi. But Hua Lei was not an object and he would never let himself be fixed.

Hua Lei took a deep breath in… before two people stormed into his room as if they owned it. Disgusting.

"Hello. My name is General Nan Yang. We are friends of your father. It is nice to see you again." Feng Xin spoke with a strangely dead voice that sounded like someone who was a general.

"That's not how you… nevermind. Greetings, Young Master Hua. This one's name is General Xuan Zhen of upper heaven. Wishing you well." Mu Qing spoke much more politely and respectfully but there was a bit of malice within, although not directed at him.

Hua Lei nodded at the two in recognition but they did not seem to respond immediately and even looked to eachother before squinting… Oh yes, human or even Gods bodies were useless.

Hua Lei left the comfort of his bed so that he could draw the curtains. The Young fox kept his eyes and ears on the two and Hua Lei noted how they physically relaxed once they were able to see.

Hua Lei turned around and looked to the tea pot in his room. He walked towards it and summoned a talisman that could heat up the tea to serve it. He let the cups boil also so as to warm the teaware. Hua Lei then added leaves to a gaiwan or pot that was full to about a third, rinsed the cups with hot water and discard. Hua Lei then added more hot water, pouring into a fairness pitcher and then small cups to savor multiple brews.

He brought the tea towards the two and gestured for the two to follow with his head. Hua Lei sat down first so to prepare the tea further. Hua Lei finally poured the tea and let it rest for a moment to cool down.

The atmosphere felt awkward and tense but the two just sipped their tea with pleasure. It was shown clearly in their facial expressions and body language that both became less rigid and more relaxed. Hua Lei took a sip and found the tea a bit bitter for his own tastes.

Mu Qing was the one to speak first. "How have your first few days in heaven been? Your Baba told us that you haven't left your room yet."

The man spoke with a calm voice that made Hua Lei reminisce about the days he would teach the young students of Qing Jing. It was a good voice that would make children feel seen and heard. It is a shame that Hua Lei despised speaking.

Hua Lei looked at the two before blinking. He sighed before walking to a shelf where Hua Lei kept his paper and ink. The Young fox brought it to the table before sitting down and writing.

''Fine,' the note said in neat, flowing script. The penmanship was fine enough to suggest that the young Huli Jing took care in their communication, but there was a hint of confusion hanging in the air between the two individuals. It was evident that they were grappling with an unspoken tension that had grown. Hua Lei tilted his head slightly, indicating both curiosity and a degree of resignation.

Feng Xin, on the other hand, looked rather uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he finally mustered the courage to ask a pressing question. "Can you… not speak?"

 His voice was strange, as if he feared the answer might disrupt the fragile balance of their interaction. Hua Lei nodded slowly in response. He had the ability to speak, of course, but he harbored a strong hatred for speaking. It was not that he lacked the capability; rather, he found overwhelming dread and self-hatred in the aftermaths of doing so.

The two men paled at this revelation, which seemed like a rather difficult feat for Mu Qing, who typically wore pale skin. The tension thickened in the air, underscoring the complexities of their relationship. They stood in silence for a moment, each grappling with their thoughts, unsure of how to proceed in this unusual situation that had suddenly taken a turn into the unexpected.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei sipped on his tea.

The two Gods did not seem to understand how to proceed with such an answer. They looked between eachother like they didn't know what else to leaving them just looking like idiots. Hua Lei inwardly scoffed at the two.

Mu Qing looked at the young fox before slowly deciding on speaking. "How… do you communicate if you aren't able to speak?" What an obvious question. Hua Lei pointed to the paper and then wrote the two characters for array. Feng Xin moved himself closer to the paper before reciting his own code for the array. It appeared the array was shared as he heard Mu Qing's voice.

'Why do you care so much? His highness just told us to make him comfortable, not to do that!' Mu Qing glared at Feng Xin but Hua Lei did not fully understand the statement. The smaller heavenly being simply sighed and began to speak the way he knew how to.

'I ask Shushu's voice to be more quiet. It disrupts the steam of the tea.' Hua Lei liked to look at the steam. It was a graceful pattern that danced gracefully depending on location and time. Hua Lei enjoyed to observe.

The two looked at eachother with blame without malice. It felt an odd image to see. The contrasting emotions resembled that of a tortoise and a hare both striving for the best despite the deciding factor of their competition not being fit for themselves.

It was immature for someone who was over a thousand years old. Hua Lei was only… He lived till twenty in his first life. Then another eighteen in his transmigration. Then around twenty eight and then adding his life currently. Hua Lei was only seventy eight in this life.

It was foolish for him to act more mature when they were over ten times his age.

Hua Lei sighed. His shoulders felt heavy yet the young fox kept his posture prim and proper. Everything felt too much and his eyes felt strange. He wasn't one to cry. He rarely did so. It had been so long to the point that nothing seemed to matter enough to cry.

Feng Xin responded by speaking in auch quieter voice that Hua Lei could allow. "Sorry… so what do you like to do?" The question was so basic, Hua Lei forced a smile to grace his lips. 

'i like to read - I'll read almost anything. I like fighting, and I'm good at it… I like fixing things? I like sewing to fix clothes or use wood to rebuild roofs.' Feng Xin smiled when Hua Lei said the second sentence.

 "Good at fighting, huh? I'd really like to see you put your skills to the test, small one!" Feng Xin said with a grin, his tone dripping with sarcasm that was impossible to miss. His eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and challenge as he leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, fully expecting Hua Lei to back down. Instead, Hua Lei stood up straight, determination etched across his face. With a swift and graceful motion, he summoned his sword, the blade glinting in the light and reflecting his unwavering resolve.

The atmosphere shifted as the tension between the two heightened. Feng Xin raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback by Hua Lei's boldness. It was clear that the small one was not backing down, and there was a flicker of respect in Feng Xin's eyes. Hua Lei gripped the hilt of Huanggua tightly, feeling the weight of the challenge he unintentionally made.

Hua Lei properly made sure that the courtyard was big enough for the brawl. He meticulously measured the dimensions, ensuring there was ample space for the fighters to move freely without the risk of colliding with the walls or any surrounding obstacles. The cobblestone floor was solid and even, providing a stable foundation for the impending clash. With each step he took, the weight of anticipation hung in the air, thick and palpable.

Hua Lei did not seem to care about the battle as much as Feng Xin. While Feng Xin's anxiety and determination were palpable, Hua Lei maintained a calm and almost indifferent demeanor. It was a stark contrast that raised eyebrows belonging to Mu Qing. Most battles involving Hua Lei concluded relatively quickly, often in a flurry of decisive action and quick reflexes. This efficiency in combat had earned Hua Lei a the title of the new Ghost King. Hua Lei had not tested out his new power yet so this may be interesting.

Feng Xin, on the other hand, was known for his intense focus and emotional investment in every encounter. Or at least that was what Hua Lei deducted from their small meeting. His heart raced in the heat of battle, and he thrived on the adrenaline, channeling it to fuel his prowess. The stakes felt much higher for him, as if every fight was a personal vendetta. This difference in attitude was not just a matter of personality; it reflected deeper philosophies regarding combat and conflict.

While Feng Xin viewed each battle as a critical moment that could tip the scales of fate, Hua Lei seemed to approach warfare with a sense of detachment, as though he were merely a reader who observed everything. This divergence in their attitudes left Mu Qing visibly wondering what left beneath Hua Lei's calm exterior - it could be confidence, boredom, or even a deeper understanding of the nature of conflict that allowed him to remain so composed?

Hua Lei knew he experienced nothing of this. He felt nothing. He was empty. The cracks with in him were deep. And so were the marks of self hatred that he could feel but could not see. They were not on them and haven't been for twelve years.

'Shushu may strike first.' Hua Lei communicated from the array as he stood like he always did: with shoulders relaxed and a tall stance whilst one leg twisted behind himself. It was a last resort that could allow himself to run if Hua Lei ever fell into the trouble that commonly followed all his actions.

Feng Xin took a deep breath before being his bow, Fengshen, forward and took three arrows out. He aimed them and quickly reloaded on a brute force method. Hua Lei used Huanggua with the intention to cut the first wave of the strike. Only for his power to cause it's own wave that hit Feng Xin. His clothes split in a straight line across his middle as blood flowed at an increasing pace. 

"What in the world!? How did you do that?" Such a boring question from Feng Xin.

'i became a Ghost King recently. That is why I was forced to come to heaven, it was a punishment.' Hua Lei took a deep breath in and out in an attempt to regulate the disappointment of an unfinished fight. He was in the mind set of being more active only to be forced to stay in space. Al because Feng Xin was too weak.

"We are going to have to have a meeting soon. No healer would allow this power to be seen in a wound without an explanation." Mu Qing went to help Feng Xin by ripping a part of his inner robes and fixing it to wrap around Feng Xin's torso.

Shit.

Chapter Text

Xie Lian had a meeting be forced upon him that day.

Apparently it was from one of the healers who had encountered a frightful image of a God in ruins. A god could not die, so Xie Lian couldn't understand the full extent of this being so very urgent. Xie Lian let himself to arrive a bit later than usual due to the incident not being that extreme. It was not that a God was paralyzed or had a breakdown.

He entered the Palace of Divine Might: The Palace of Divine Might was the palace of Jun Wu. It is a large, majestic palace that stands at the end of the Grand Avenue of Divine Might. It wore a purely golden roof with the name of the hall written with power beneath. Only Heavenly Officials of the Upper Court could enter the hall, and it is usually used for meetings; such as the one for that day.

Xie Lian smiled to himself as he entered. It was a welcoming smile. The heavenly official's faces resembled his own inner disinterest. Xie Lian did not deem it important enough to summon its own meeting, but without further adew, the meeting commenced.

The healer stepped forward. The man was tall and had large proportions to fit his hight. He had a round face with rough edges to highlight his ascension to be at a later age but the man had barely cultivating before. It was an achievement, to say the least.

"Earlier this day, I was reported for a large wound that was unable to properly heal despite Qi I used and any talismans or medication that I applied. It was healing as slowly and improperly as a human with no resources. And it was a person who had done such a thing."

Xie Lian grew interested at that statement. He pondered to himself as to which God was hurt and who was the one who harmed that God. But Xie Lian felt regret for that wish as Hua Lei and Feng Xin stepped forward.

Feng Xin had a face full of embarrassment and regret. "Xiao-Hua did not intend to harm me… it was me who desired a fight. That much was shown when he showed sadness when I said I could not continue." Hua Lei stayed as silent as always. His eyes were off to the right of his face and he looked a bit sad but still held a strong posture and graceful appearance.

'I really did not intend to Baba. I forgot to test how strong I was since I became a Ghost King...' Hua Lei communicated through their private array.

"I believe both of you. Hua Lei is my child and only attacks when he is attacked first. He recently became a Ghost King against my prior knowledge and so I punished him by making him live in the heavenly realm for two years. I apologize for not having the time to bring this up beforehand."

There were mumbles about multiple opinions. Some believed it was dangerous to keep a Ghost King in the heavenly realm whilst others said Hua Lei seemed respectful and it was best to be in sight of a father to keep authority over his child.

"It took only one strike from Xiao-Hua, who was originally striking at the arrows shot to cause this damage. I suggest that he be taught restraint properly." Mu Qing added. His voice calm as he crossed his arms.

"One… strike? How could he get that be possible?!" One of the Gods stepped forward and clutched Hua Lei's robes with consternation. Xie Lian looked back to see Hua Lei's face.

Fear.

Hua Lei had large eyes that were on the border of crying as his eyebrows furrowed and his mouth kept shut. His fists were balled up and his entire figure was shaking beyond belief.

"Hua Lei is unable to speak. He can communicate to me through our array! Not to mention he does not like being touched." Xie Lian attempted to intervene before the God once more spoke.

"Nonsense, heavenly emperor Xie. He is nothing more than a brat! Children have no idea what they fee-" Hua Lei attempted to step back. "Hey, what do you think you're doing!?" The God pulled Hua Lei back.

Xie Lian could see the fear becoming rage as he grew far too still. And then… Hua Lei exploded. His fist hit the Gods face all too quickly and the God seemed to fly until he hit a wall. Leaving a massive dent with crack spreading out far. The medic ran quickly to the man to inspect the wound on his face that showed the muscles of the man's cheek. Blood streamed from the wound.

"How… How did you do that with that extent of power?" The medic called out. His voice laced with fear. The aura of the room was all heavy with fear or anything that was unable to be described.

'i did it… because I'm a weapon born from a Ghost King in the Heavenly real. I did it… because I am too prone to breaking when people are disgusting pigs who do not know what boundaries are until you hit them in the face.'

Xie Lian paused. His heart stopping for a second. "I am not saying that, A-lei. You are my son! You really believe you are just a weapon?"

Hua Lei lowered his head. His posture suddenly fell as his hand figited around his own robes. His tails all fell to the floor. Xie Lian did not know how to respond and so he just waited for anything from Hus Lei. And Xie Lian got what he wanted.

'Baba, I'm tired. I don't want to be in such a bright place. The area is so big yet the many people don't even fill it. It's too overwhelming.'

"Fine," Xie Lian raised his voice to command the room. "Hua Lei is the descendant of both me and Hua Cheng. He is a Ghost King with the name: The Silent Song Of Death. He is not to be messed with because he is my child and do not initiate a fight if you cannot face the consequences."

It was a very basic way to create a message, relying on simple yet effective language and concepts, but it would work for anyone who heard it. The straightforward presentation of the communication meant that it could easily be understood by Gods from different backgrounds and experiences. This approach emphasized clarity over complexity, ensuring that the intended message was accessible and resonated with a diverse audience of the heavenly realm. 

Xie Lian just looked at Hua Lei as he walked forward to take the Huli Jing's hand to walk him home.

Chapter Text

Autumn faded into winter soon enough.

The immortals of the heavenly realm grew with a favourable opinion towards the young Ghost King. Many found him helping out when something was damaged although they found he disliked handing out his array password and so none achieved a real conversation but the child carried paper and was fine to converse with through that medium.

A handful disliked Hua Lei, but found that when they would pass by, almost all other Gods greeted him as he smiled and waved at them. That lead them to try speak with him. All who conversed with him fell into a deep emotion. Be it friendship or romance, each desired something from the child.

His hair was long and flowing. It even reached his lower legs. Hua Lei's ends would dip into an orange that matched his tails rather than the rest of his deep chestnut coloured hair. He wore his robes rather loose, but he was always moving too much for any fix to last, only adding to the allure. He always appeared to be a youthful soul who would help. You could make him keep any secrets due to that pretty mouth never able to utter a word.

It became a well known fact that any who interacted with the little fox would desire a relationship of some sorts.

But the child seemed to not understand anything that went past friendship. He would accept ribbons freely and then cause a braid of them with other accepted ones. He would use tassels given as a decoration in his room to the point where anyone who looked through his windows, which were more than a few, would see the entire colour spectrum lining the top of the walls as well as forming a curtain.

The once aloof and quiet child managed to make noise by their very presence. Hua Lei could change the direction of an entire conversation by just tilting his head or his gaze flickering to the side. Everyone would fight for his attention.

Hua Cheng despised the rumours about his own son.

Hua Lei was barely past twelve. Yet, they would claim that his son was teasing without any words. Hua Cheng would guard his son from all this nonsense. Hua Cheng felt his face scrunch up with disgust and anger.

'What is wrong A-die?' His son called through the array as he entered the room. Hua Cheng would not deny his son was beautiful but he was nothing more than a child.

"Just Gods being idiots… Do you realise how they think about you, Lei-er?" Hua Cheng honestly was not sure. His son was a puzzle that did not even have the right pieces in existence to solve.

 Hua Cheng saw his son's face descent into one filled with pure, unfiltered disgust. 'I know. A-die, do you think me ignorant to their gaze always pinpointed on me. They strike up conversation and try to make an excuse to touch me. They will say my robes are loose, or ask to look at my hands. It is revolting. But it is best to play along than not.'

…Alright. It made sense. Once again, Hua Cheng had forgotten Hua Lei had lived another life and had therefore been taught about the levels of property and boundaries.

Hua Cheng sighed. Hua Lei had promised another God that they would come for tea. He would have to leave soon. Hua Cheng pondered for a moment before deciding that he would come also. At least the God Hua Lei was visiting this time just desired friendship.

Hua Lei left the room after a few seconds but looked back with a smile as he saw Hua Cheng walk through also. Hua Lei walked a little taller afterwards. His hands were placed behind his back. Although he had to move them frequently to wave at all he passed who said a greeting.

Hua Cheng noted how Hua Lei's ears and tails had a slight struggle to keep up and looking happy. Hua Cheng glared at anyone who let their eyes linger too long and smirked when a few hid. Hua Lei showed no sign he knew what was going on. Hua Lei did not even look behind him once. He knew.

The winter air was a bit colder and so when a breeze came, Hua Lei's ears fell and he shivered. The movement caused his robes to form a larger gap. Hua Cheng saw how the eyes of men and women did not even attempt to stray from the area. Hua Cheng simply walked in front of his son and redid them with ease.

'Thank you, A-die.' Hua Cheng allowed himself to relax a little at the sound. Those creeps would never hear that voice, they would never learn the desperation that lay beneath it either. When Hua Cheng heard that voice in his head, he always found a broken but soft part hidden within. No matter what Hua Lei was speaking about.

Hua Cheng resumed walking behind Hua Lei as his son smiled but lowered his head for a moment. Hua Lei then turned to be at Ling Wen's palace. Hua Cheng smiled at that. The two turned in and Hua Lei smiled with a true joy.

"Hello young master Hua. Oh, your father has joined also. Greetings, Crimson Rain Sought Flower." She bowed for a moment before walking into a sitting room where she had prepared tea.

"I must apologise. I did not prepare enough tea for you, Hua Cheng." Her voice was calm and without malice as she poured tea for Hua Lei and herself. She was always a powerful individual, but it was moments like these that she let her true emotions out and revealed herself with a slight sass - for lack of a better word.

"That's fine. I escorted Lei-er out of disgust towards many of the other Gods." Ling Wen hummed in agreement as Hua Lei sipped his tea with care. Hua Cheng trusted in the civil God.

And with that, Hua Cheng left.

Chapter Text

Winter faded into spring.

The air became much more hot than before, but the young fox still wasn't that happy with the cold air from being so high. The heavenly realm was always higher than a mountain and so Hua Lei was left shivering frequently, although more than a few Gods would spare some outer robes for the child.

The child was slowly building a reputation amongst the human realm as well, which brought a smile when the Huli Jing recalled a new God that has ascended, Guzi, the God of food, found themselves showing the New God around. She went by the name Sun Yun.

When Sun Yun say Hua Lei, she instantly fell to her knees and praised his name with her life as an immortal. Hua Lei felt rather confident in that moment and so lifted her head with his index finger whilst bending low. He saw how her eyes lowered to his robes, but he frankly couldn't care less. He had a real power in the human realm. A smile formed at his lips at the thought and Sun Yun blushed heavily.

He then removed his finger from her chin and walked off, although she had been leaning towards him. She fell instantly but remained on the floor. Hua Lei saw all eyes following him rather than the new God. Usually, a new God would have much more attention as someone would only ascend every a hundred years on average.

Hua Lei, for once, revealed an intriguing glint in his gaze and smiled with a more sinister curl to his lips while closing his own eyes in contemplation. The idea of using the new God as a pawn for his own ambitions was tantalizing, especially as he observed the way this young deity was clearly falling deeply for him, despite his young age. Such naivety could be manipulated to his advantage, presenting an opportunity that was too good to pass up.

It would prove useful, indeed. By strategically crafting propaganda around The Silent Song Of Death's name, Hua Lei could amplify his own power without needing to exert much effort. The thought of weaving a narrative that glorified this young Huli Jing, while subtly positioning himself as the true mastermind behind their rise, filled him with a sense of excitement. It was a delicate dance of influence and manipulation, one that he was more than willing to engage in to further his own agenda. The future held endless possibilities, and Hua Lei intended to seize every opportunity that came his way.

And so he looked back for a moment towards the God and smiled. The Gods posture rose as her eyes grew wider and her face descended into that of a rose. She held the form of a woman in her thirties, but with cultivation, she could be anything from thirty to five hundred. She could believe that he just ascended young, but that would still be morally wrong. But manipulation can go both ways with a dip from himself.

Hua Lei returned to his room in his Baba's grand palace, a magnificent structure that had only expanded further over the years to accommodate his ever-growing collection of plants. Each corner of the new room's were adorned with lush greenery, a testament to Hua Lei's passion for nurturing life in all its forms. The walls, once bare, were now draped in vibrant vines, their leaves reaching out as if to embrace him upon his arrival.

The sunlight streamed through the large windows, causing a warm glow to cascade on the array of flowers and mushrooms that filled the space. He had carefully selected each plant, ensuring that they thrived in their unique spots, where they could soak up the sun or find rest within the shade. The air was rich with the earthy scent of damp soil and the faint, sweet fragrance of blooming jasmine, creating a world that felt that was undirtied from the world outside.

Hua Lei often spent hours tending to his plants, finding solace in their presence. The rooms had become not just a place to sleep, but a vibrant oasis where he could connect with nature and reflect on his thoughts. Here, in this green haven, he felt a profound sense of peace and happiness, as if the plants were his loyal companions. And if he was honest, if he would speak, he would speak to his plants.

But he would never speak, so Buddha help him.

Hua Lei smiled contentedly as he inhaled the delicate jasmine scent that wafted through the air, a fragrance that reminded him of tranquil spring evenings he could experience once more and the gentle caress of the wind. After taking a moment to relish the scent, he decided to shut the windows to return to darkness. 

He knew that the jasmine plant had a tendency to climb rapidly, sprawling its vines and possibly overwhelming the space if left unchecked. The Young fox, who shared this sanctuary with the flowers, found a sense of peace in the absence of the overwhelming stimuli that came with heightened senses. In this quiet moment, Hua Lei felt a deep connection to his surroundings, appreciating the balance between nature and the comfort of his home, where he could truly unwind and reflect in solitude.

Hua Lei sighed deeply as he sank back into the plush embrace of his bed. The all-consuming fluff enveloped him, drawing him in as a comforting cloud whilst his mind began to flutter through the whirlwind of events he had just experienced. A small smile crept across his face at the recognition his name had gained, a fleeting moment of pride that felt significant, yet it was tinged with an unsettling aftertaste. 

As he recalled the piercing gaze of the new God, however, that initial joy quickly dissipated, replaced by a gnawing sense of disgust. What had felt acceptable in the heat of the moment now left him feeling hollow and betrayed, as if he had unwittingly crossed a line he could never uncross. The weight of that look lingered in his thoughts, casting a shadow over the fleeting happiness he had once felt.

He felt disgusted to the point of wishing to lock himself up in his room.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu despised Wu Yanzi.

Luckily, the monster was nothing compared to Qiu Jianluo. He was negligent and forceful, but the beatings both weren't as severe and frequent as they once were. Although little mattered when bruises were pressed by every movement for no reason other than to relieve another's stress.

Wu Yanzi was able to teach Shen Jiu, though it was only the classes of thievery and deception. Shen Jiu held no harsh feelings for those lessons as he had already learnt them when he was much younger. He neither had family nor friends to rely on at the time. ɘǫ-iỌ bᴎuoᎸ ɘʜ ᴎɘʜT.

Shen Jiu found himself spending most of his days on the streets once again, although this time he had been given money and no immediate deadline to earn more. He observed the slave children who inhabited these streets, always lurking in the shadows, desperately trying to conceal themselves from the harsh light of the sun. Some appeared lifeless, their eyes hollow and devoid of hope, while others wore smiles that felt alarmingly out of place, a facade of joy with children who claimed to take care of eachother.

As he wandered through the crowded marketplace, he listened intently to the conversations swirling around him. A number of people were animatedly discussing a new Ghost King known as The Silent Song of Death, a title that Shen Jiu found to be rather corny and unoriginal. It seemed designed to replace the names of other notorious figures who had come before. They spoke of the boy, claiming he lived in the heavenly realm due to his extraordinary prowess in gaining power and posing a significant threat to others. Rumors also spread that he was a Huli Jing, a mythical fox spirit known for its cunning and charm.

One thing was universally acknowledged about this obnoxious figure, and it only served to reinforce his unlikable reputation: he would only deign to speak to someone if he deemed them a worthy opponent. This elitist attitude made Shen Jiu's face scrunch up in disgust, a reflection of his disdain for such arrogance.

As spring gradually morphed into summer, Shen Jiu had no choice but to bear witness to the sweltering heat enveloping the streets, with little hope of finding relief. The oppressive warmth seemed to hang in the air, making each day feel longer and more unbearable. Shen Jiu certainly couldn't loosen his robes, fearing that someone might catch a glimpse of the scars that marred his skin from past beatings. Most of those scars were healed, the white lines standing out starkly against his skin. There would be no further help available to blend those marks into his flesh.

Shen Jiu decided to buy a fan. He wasn't entirely sure which one to purchase. He scanned over and found one befitting his tastes. It was that of a scene with bamboo and a snake finding its place within. It wasn't a perfect fit, but Shen Jiu sure felt like a snake to pickpocket others. He bought the fan. It fit… nicely in his hand

Shen Jiu returned to his spot, his hands instinctively reaching into the pockets of others with a gentle touch, a reflex born of necessity. Yet, despite his practiced ease, he hated the sensation of being so intimately close to so many men around him. It felt like an eternal punishment - one that he had been sentenced to for the crime of punishing the dead Qiu Jianluo. The very thought of having to sleep beside another man was a torment in itself, amplifying his feelings of discomfort and isolation.

The day after a beating was even worse, especially when Yan Wanzi would leave immediately without a word. Shen Jiu preferred to wake up before the sun broke the horizon, relishing the quiet moments before the chaos of the day began. He found solace in preparing for what lay ahead, meticulously arranging his thoughts and plans. In truth, he enjoyed the stillness, the opportunity to be awake and think deeply without the disturbances of others. The presence of a man loomed over him, allowing him to be awake.

Shen Jiu overall just desired to sleep in currently. The allure of the warm, soft bed beneath him was almost irresistible, and he could feel the gentle pull of sleep tugging at his eyelids. Unfortunately, the demands of the day loomed ahead like a shadow, and he knew he couldn't indulge in his desire for rest. Shen Jiu sighed deeply, his breath a mix of frustration and longing, as he forced his mind to be awake ever so slightly. He tried to shake off the remnants of slumber that clung to him. 

Chapter Text

Hua Lei felt the Summer turn into autumn.

Hua Lei had just turned thirteen and now was seen as preparing to be a man. Hua Lei was brought up differently to a child, but he wasn't one to begin with. Hua Lei just continued to smile as he always has to whilst refining past skills.

He enjoyed playing instruments. Many would be silent and closed their eyes to listen properly. Hua Lei massively enjoyed the lack of attention from others. Their eyes would no longer be fixed on his figure or face. Hua Lei sometimes debating causing scars to himself to avoid it all.

Hua Lei had a special space in his heart for the Pipa. It was unique expressiveness mimicking human voice and percussion, and served to be versatile in its own sound. It could be either peaceful or aggressive. Calm or bold. Happy or sad. Hua Lei liked other instruments but none were as able to be used in daily life to convey a certain tone of mood.

Feng Xin told him that boys of his age and class should be learning archery, a skill that was not only useful but also a traditional rite of passage in society, as if Hua Lei engaged in Chinese society currently. He emphasized the importance of mastering this art, as it was believed to build discipline, focus, and physical strength. 

It went to the point in which Feng Xin even went so far as to say that he could teach Hua Lei himself. He offered to share his knowledge and experiences, promising to guide Hua Lei through the intricacies of the bow and arrow. This proposal felt rather peculiar Hua Lei. Hua Lei still accepted the request.

But it proved rather difficult.

Feng Xin would try to fix his stance, but Hua Lei was much shorter than him. It felt as if Feng Xin was towering over him as he placed his hand on his shoulders, legs, stomach. Hua Lei would freeze almost instantly and began to dissociate.

Feng Xin didn't understand. It is not like he couldn't, he just didn't. But that wasn't his fault: Hua Lei told him nothing... Not that he could, but he could have communicated in one way or another. It was just that Hua Lei was unable to remember when hands lingered a second longer than comfortable - If comfortable even existed.

Hua Lei was not at all good at archery, even when he wasn't being touched. Hua Lei naturally didn't place things next to his face and so his bow was always at an improper angle, not to mention his hands shook frequently. Most likely due to fear of being observed constantly by the southeast martial God, but that changed nothing.

Hua Lei also learnt Confucianism - focusing on personal and governmental morality, social harmony, justice, and sincerity through virtues like benevolence (Ren), ritual propriety (Li), and filial piety (Xiao), emphasizing hierarchy and fulfilling one's role in society, once again, something that Hua Lei did not regularly engage in.

Hua Lei liked the books themselves, but disliked the structure of relationships. Hua Lei found there to be many more relationships than spoken, each with a purpose and needed equally as much as eachother.

Hua Lei found little use in calligraphy as he would be writing frequently already and all could reach his sentences, but it wasn't a work of art unless he put a thought in his mind to do such and he very well couldn't do such when wishing to communicate and thinking of the right wording and not letting his hands fumble over the eyes pinned on him.

Hua Lei had no care for Charioteering, despite the fact that his A-die made sure he was well aware of its intricacies and nuances. Though A-die heavily advised to do such for the sake of being a proper son. Although he obliged the request to learn, he found himself rather bored with the entire process. 

To the young fox, it was not a challenging skill to master, and he quickly realized that it only took about a month or so to grasp the fundamental techniques. There were so many repetitive nature in the training sessions, dulled any enthusiasm further. Hua Lei just did it all for the sake of his A-die and Baba, of whom Hua Lei loved above all others.

But Hua Lei loved returning home after the day, where he was always warmly greeted by his beloved plants, each one unique and vibrant, presenting a charming and beautiful sight that never failed to lift his spirits. The sight of their varied colors and shapes filled him with joy, and he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction as he tended to them. 

However, the young fox noticed that many flowers had begun to wilt, their once-bright petals drooping slightly and colour shifting to brown. This change brought a smile to his face, as it was a truthful reminder that the seasons were shifting. He understood that the weather was indeed becoming colder, and it wasn’t merely his fox tendencies heightening his senses to the point of cruelty. Rather, it was nature’s way of gently nudging him to prepare for the coming winter, while also reminding him of the cyclical beauty of life and the inevitable changes that come with each season.

Hua Lei despised the cold with every fiber of his body. The biting chill seemed to seep into his tails, wrapping around him like a relentless, icy shroud. Each gust of wind was a sharp dagger, piercing through his clothing and numbing his skin. He yearned for the warmth of the sun, where the gentle heat could envelop him, making him feel alive and vibrant. Instead, he found himself shivering, longing for the comfort of a cozy fire and the soothing embrace of a warm blanket. The cold was not just an inconvenience; it was a foe he battled daily, and he loathed it with a fervor that consumed his thoughts.

Hua Lei found himself placing the equivalent of a turtleneck underneath his robes, which many brought attention to in an attempt to rid the young sensitive fox to combat the cold by another means, which hardly proved affective. Hua Lei finally let himself scowl at those idiots who spoke to him in such a way, before leaving. 

Sadly, Hua Lei saw their eyes shine as he acted like that. There was no hiding the lust within their eyes. Something that resembled possessiveness drapped in curiosity about the very out of character energy told by the young Huli Jing.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei saw the autumn faded into winter.

It was only further proved to himself that winter was a horrid season, a time when the world seemed to retreat into a cold, desolate silence. The biting chill permeated through his turtle neck hiding under his robes, making him acutely aware of how unforgiving the weather could be.

Each breath the young fox took formed clouds of vapor that quickly dissipated into the frigid air. The once vibrant landscape was now a bleak palette of grays and whites, stripped of its lively colors as even th e ever constant blue turned grey. Instead of his desires for the flowers he grew to still be blooming, he was met with endless days of dreary skies and icy winds, further solidifying his disdain for this season. Hua Lei could only enjoy the herbs that would only develop in winter. Each day dragged on, reinforcing his knowledge that winter was, without a doubt, a dreadful and unforgiving time of year.

Hua Lei had been stuck in this world for far too long and yet being so high made the heating almost completely faded away. Life was fleeting; Hua Lei knew that so very well. But Hua Lei also desired the freedom that time caused, yet it felt as if every second was ten years. It was taking the Mick out of the winter season that was so beautiful with snow, but the heavenly realm was above the clouds. He couldn't experience any form of precipitation.

The young thirteen-year-old sighed deeply as he slumped in his chair, the weight of the world seeming to rest heavily on his small shoulders. Ling Wen, his favorite God, observed him with a gentle smile that slowly began to fade as she attended to a stack of papers nearby. She was not just a divine figure to him; she had become a stabilizing force in his life, just like his Baba, only he often seemed wrapped up in his own concerns over the young fox.

Ling Wen's calm demeanor and wise insights provided him with solace and guidance during strange days. He cherished the many conversations they shared. Each interaction left him feeling a bit easier to cope, as if he had shared a burden with someone who truly felt real. Her presence was like a beacon of reality.

"What is wrong, Young Master Hua?" She said that name in a teasing manner after she heard him complain about the system calling himself that. It had become a nickname that felt right to state so.

'Just want to leave the heavenly realm, but I still have another year. I feel like I'm losing my status on the mortal realm.' Hua Lei layed forward on to the table as he spoke through the array. Ling Wen had predicted as such a moment before hand and had moved the tea cups away.

"You believe that but it is quite the contrary. Many Humans have given temples in your name and find your lack of drama refreshing and a sign of your strength. I'm not sure how. I've lived too long to understand the new generations lifestyles and beliefs."

Hua Lei sighed once more, though he attempted to take the emotions out of his voice, hoping to convey a sense of calmness. It did not help, as the weight of his concern lingered heavily in the air. The little fox, despite appearing very calm on the outside, was fighting a storm within. His exterior was a mask of composure, but inside, his innards were laced with heavy anxiety that churned. 

Each heartbeat felt like a drum echoing his lack of stability within, and he struggled to keep his many thoughts from spiraling. Hua Lei observed the teen's clenched fists and the slight tremor in his jaw, signs that betrayed his stillness. It was clear that the boy was grappling with something profound, something that threatened to unravel him at any moment. 

Hua Lei moved his body to sit properly whilst his A-die came to pick him up. He came in the room with an acute bit of anger hiding in his tense eyebrows. They were upturned and wrinkles were forming through the hatred clearly shown.

"Hello, Xiao-Lei. Did you have a nice time?" Hua Cheng spoke whilst aso trying to clear his emotions, but Hua Lei could tell. The young fox smiled and nodded at his A-die whilst waving at Ling Wen in farewell.

A-die made sure to look at Hua Lei for a brief moment of peace before they had to venture outside into the realm that awaited them. The atmosphere was charged with friendlies, but Hua Lei really was not in the mood to be nice or friendly. Deep down, he felt a wave of reluctance wash over him, stemming from the pressures of social interaction. 

Yet, he understood that he had to do everything within his power to uphold his carefully crafted persona in front of others. It was a mask that he would need to wear, one that concealed his true feelings and emotions. With every interaction, he meticulously built the image he wanted to project in this life. 

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the performance ahead, knowing that maintaining this facade was crucial in navigating the complex dynamics of their social circle. He began to walk out and waved to those that surrounded him. One of the Gods literally stopped in Hua Lei's path to ask if he would visit his palace soon enough.

A-die pulled Hua Lei's shoulder as he now stood face to face with the God who now looked so very judgemental and cruel. Hua Lei smiled awkwardly at the man whilst he looked like he had fallen in to the trap of others falling for 'the child is unable to speak their mind' trait.

Hua Lei pushed the God out of the two's path as they progressed further towards the warmth of Hua Lei's room.

Chapter Text

Finally, the winter had faded into spring.

Hua Lei grew rather proficient in the lessons he was given although all left him empty - separate from music. Hua Lei could barely past one day without a sense of dread for the future leeched onto his shoulders so that it could whisper in his ears. The feeling crawled within his chest to place pressure on all the organs surrounding his heart to remove the blood from there so that he could be without anything.

Hua Lei sighed as he crumpled to the floor of his own room. At the small inconvenience of being too still for the moment, Hua Lei attempted to scratch his face off. It was not his. It was a mask of perfection that couldn't last.

He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. He hated it. 

Hua Lei just despaired.

There was nothing within him that held any value separate from his appearance. He was as useless as the sky just acting for others to find it entertaining enough to look at. But no one could touch the sky. No one could comfort the sky.

Not that Hua Lei desired to be comforted - quite the contrary. Hua Lei did not wish for any form of attention from any being known to man. Life was nothing but a benefit for others, for everyone. Life never held any value for the person who was fucking living it.

Hua Lei curled into himself on the floor. His cheek was lying on the wood. His room was too large. It only fueled his insignificant size. Not that that was saying much. Everyone in the heavenly realm was so terribly tall! Looking down at him with those eyes.

He hated it! They looked at him like he was an object of desire. He was a Huli Jing, not a pet. 

Hua Lei felt his heart ache, his lungs collapse, his head spinning, his eyes burning with tears, his legs shivering at the lack of movement, his hands clawing to any skin it could find and a hand on his waist.

"Hello, Xiao-Lei~ How cute you look now! But make sure not to hurt yourself or your adorable face. That is far too precious, my didi." The God spoke with a teasing tone as he leaned in further to the boy.

Why was he in his room? Why was he in his father's palace? Why was he in the heavenly realm? Why was he existing? He deserved to die for touching him!

Hua Lei turned to grab the God's neck as he shoved him away from himself and on to the floor where he deserved to be. Yet a smile was placed on that face of his. Wrinkles were in place and silver hair reflecting his age showed on himself.

Hands lingered where they should not still! They were placed on his collar bones, tracing it. Hua Lei growled. The animalistic tendancies begining to show out of the fear, disgust and rage that churned within him.

He leaned towards the man, feeling the bulge against his stomach as he bit the God's neck. And then.

Silence.

Hua Lei looked at the blood that fell asleep it attempted to escape the disgusting creature that it once inhabited. The blood died before it could be free. Its being stopping its attempts as soon as it had hit the floor individually, yet as a group, they could reach further into the real world.

Hua Lei wiped his mouth to find more blood and a flap of skin stuck to his fangs - of which he usually tried to hide. He looked at the skin and saw each individual layer of that dirty thing. But it belonged to a person.

He had killed a person. They tried to- but it wasn't an attempt on his life. Was it truly justified? Yes it was, they were trying to force themselves- but he never said 'no'. Ha! Like he could. It all felt like one sick joke as his stomach felt as if it was opening to release his innards once he attempted to look away from the corpse.

Tears surrounded his vision so that he could avoid the sight before him. Hua Lei felt his breathing stutter as cold air took away any moisture from his mouth. Everything was too much as the world around him began to crumble. Hua Lei let out a cry for the first time in a while, it had been years.

"You looked so hot with my blood and skin in your mouth. You're so hot with tears in your eyes. So red. So passionate." The God said… Oh yeah, Gods can never truly die. Their bodies won't allow him to do so.

And this God was wrapping one of his hands around Hua Lei's waist and another was lifting his leg with a grin on the God's face. Hua Lei was overcome by fear and began to only cry further.

Ha. Haaaaa. HahahahahahaHahahaHAhaHAHa REALLY. THIS ALL WAS SOMETHING TO JOKE ABOUT! WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG SITH THE WORLD? 

"Lei-er, are you alright? We heard a voice and-" Baba was here. Baba would save him.

"Let. My. Son. Go." His Baba called with death in his voice, but the God only pulled himself closer and licked His Lei's cheek. The saliva caused vomit to begin to climb Hua Lei's throat, but the Huli Jing kept it there.

"You will pay for touching him!"

Chapter Text

Xie Lian hit the God before him.

The God was named Cui Peizhi. Meaning: steep, respectful. The civil God was not fit for his name. The man should die for laying his goddamn hands on his child. Those filthy fingers lingered on parts in which none should touch at his age.

His little Niu she cao was not like the plant in this moment. He was not overtaking the environment and was instead hiding within it. There was no issue with it, but a part of Xie Lian felt disappointed at the lack of response. And yet, his child's eyes were strained and his face was filled with tears, even though it was a rare occurrence to ever see from his small child. His eyes were almost glowing with the fear detected.

Xie Lian lunged for Cui Peizhi and grabbed him by his hair. The silver threads fell from his common bun. He was not sad and was instead grinning like a madman. His eyes were wide and laced with lust for the child he was still staring at. The one who was still asleep if movement meant certain death.

Hua Lei was breathing heavily and looking at the floor, tears that made no sound fell to the floor. Usually, when children cried, it was an attempt to gain attention from a trusted guardian and yet here he was. But he began to laugh into his tears. His breaths were sharp before he would laugh once more.

Slowly, whilst all others just stood by and watched the child in distress, Hua Lei's laughter finally revealed the true gravity of the situation as it dissolved into cries of desperation. These were sounds that no person, especially a child, should ever have to make. The anguished wails echoed through the air, piercing the hearts of those around him, leaving an unsettling chill that lingered in the atmosphere. It was as if the very essence of innocence was being shattered in that moment, and the small boy's cries resonated with a profound sense of helplessness.

Xie Lian, fueled by a mix of anger and protectiveness, tightened his grip, twisting the arm he held against the God’s back. The man grunted, a sharp sound that conveyed an acute sense of anger. Yet, beneath that fury lay a deeper obsession, an unsettling fixation that flickered in the depths of his eyes and shadowed every corner of his face. Xie Lian could see it clearly—the desperation mingling with madness, a dangerous cocktail of emotions that made him even more unpredictable.

With a scoff that dripped with disdain, Xie Lian maneuvered his leg with precision, bringing his foot down to stamp onto the back of Cui Peizhi's head. The act was both a warning and a show of defiance, a silent declaration that he would not stand idly by while his little Niu she cao suffered. The tension in the air thickened as the others finally began to register the seriousness of the moment, their gazes shifting from the child to the unfolding confrontation.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

"You are placed on trial against Hua Lei, The Silent Song Of Death. How do you plead?" Ling Wen had a disgusted look planted upon her usually calm face.

"I plead guilty. I walked into his room and tried to take what I deserved from him. I mean - if you have no protection and he looks like that - it was bound to occur sooner or later." Cui Peizhi had a face contorted into a look of enjoyment as he eyed the Huli Jing.

"You tried to take my son as your own! He is barely past thirteen whilst you yourself are four hundred years old and have the physical appearance of a fifty year old. To be a God, one must know the levels of mortality. If there were a jade ornament on a wall that was protected by a young maidens guards, you are saying you would climb it so that you could steal the item."

"Can anyone blame me? Hua Lei is much fairer than Jade. Everyone here has at least thought about it~" Silence echoed throughout the Palace of Divine Might. Gods looked far too ashamed from being called out for the lust all saw.

"No. You admitted to being guilty and further proved your immoral actions. Cui Peizhi, you are hereby banished from the heavenly realm. You will have the mark resting on your neck so that hopefully you will be restricted rather than acting like an animal!"

Cui Peizhi smiled, a smile that seemed to radiate an unsettling energy, as he continued to gaze at Hua Lei. His eyes, clouded with a heavy lust that obscured his better judgment, gave him an almost predatory appearance. The grin that spread across his face was wide and unnerving, stretching in a way that made it look more terrifying than even Ming Yue. 

It was as if he was caught in a trance, the intensity of his gaze fixated on Hua Lei, who remained stuck in the storm brewing in Cui Peizhi's past actions and soon to be future. The atmosphere around them thickened with tension, and it became clear that Cui Peizhi's intentions were far from innocent. The room felt charged, as if electrified by the unspoken desires that hung in the air, and the contrast between his frightening smile and Hua Lei's obliviousness of his intentions for the future only heightened the suspense of the moment. What lay beneath that sinister grin was a tangled web of yearning and ambition, a dangerous mix that promised to unravel in the most unexpected ways.

Cui Peizhi was then rejected from heaven. It was a threat to all whom felt Hua Lei was a possession to take and anyone who would attempt something. Hua Lei smiled at the God being reduced to a man. He was nothing more than a pest who was done with. Cui Peizhi began to laugh at the attempt to stop him.

Chapter Text

Hua Cheng arrived at Xie Lian's palace.

It had been a long and arduous day, one that he had been counting down the seconds to escape for what felt like another eight hundred years. Every tick of the passing time had echoed in his mind, reminding him of how much he longed to return to his beloved and their precious son. 

The thought of their faces filled him with warmth and anticipation, making the long hours spent away from home feel even more unbearable. As Hua Cheng approached the familiar gate that marked the entrance to his haven, a smile spread across his face. He could almost envision his family together and waiting for him. Hua Lei's flowers would start to bloom around this time of year and Hua Lei always seemed to place a flower in his hair, when he had the opportunity 

However, as he reached for the gate, ready to push it open and step into the blissful embrace of family, he was taken aback to find it securely locked. This was an unusual occurrence, one that struck him as rather peculiar. The gate was almost never locked, a testament to the trust and love that defined their home.

 With furrowed brows, Hua Cheng stepped back, a sense of unease creeping into his heart. He glanced around, hoping to spot someone who could explain this sudden change. There had to be something he had missed, or this was a sign of something deeper. The anticipation that had filled him moments before was now overshadowed by a growing sense of worry.

He directed his spiritual power against the barrier and then entered his family's territory. Where tranquility would commonly be found, there was a dense silence. Hua Lei was silent, but not to the extent of this level of silence. It was all consuming as the existence of it made Hua Cheng almost choke on it.

Hua Cheng moved towards the main area to find his beloved still and thinking heavily. There were wrinkles forming and Hua Cheng was not even noticed by the God. Hua Lei took a few steps forward towards Xie Lian and wrapped his arms around his beloveds arms.

"What is Gege thinking so heavily about? This Sang Lang will do anything that could help." Hua Cheng let out an easy and flirty tone to dispell the severity that was still shown on Xie Lian's face.

"Someone broke into Hua Lei's room. I banished him." Xie Lian managed to let out his words, his voice steady despite the rage swirling within him.

Wait.

What?

Hua Cheng seethed in rage, his hands instinctively releasing their grip on Xie Lian as he took a step back to compose himself, ensuring he would not inadvertently harm the one he cherished most. His heart raced, pounding furiously in his chest as he struggled to contain the fire igniting within him. 

"What happened? Did he touch our little Niu she cao? Did he do anything to upset him? Did you punish him further?" Hua Cheng bombarded Xie Lian with an avalanche of questions, each one laced with worry and anger. His mind raced with images of what that intruder might have done, and he suddenly understood the clear, protective behavior that his husband had displayed earlier. 

Xie Lian sighed but still kept himself tense. "Cui Peizhi managed to touch Lei-er. It did not border on dual cultivation, but he placed his hands on our son's waist and thigh. He spoke with clear obsession and our son was frozen in both shock and fear combined. This husband formed a trial and he was banished after he confessed to his crimes."

Hua Cheng relaxed for a moment before moving. "I'm going to see Hua Lei." He moved to the grans stairs leading to upstairs and soon found himself before his child's room. He slowly opened the door…

There Lei-er was, a small figure hunched over on the wooden floor, just lost in a world of his own. He was surrounded by a chaotic scattering of broken flowers, petals strewn across the wooden floor. The blooms were of all different colors - fiery reds, soft blues, and vibrant yellows - each also being a different species, each with its own history and story to tell. 

Hopefully they could paint a picture the same way Hua Lei would usually use them. Hua Lei’s robes, once a pristine shade of deep indigo, were now stained by water droplets that glistened in the dim light of the room. Hua Cheng refused to believe that those could possibly be tears. After all, his son almost never cried; he was a stoic child, usually so composed and quiet.

Hua Cheng approached his son cautiously, kneeling beside him on the floor, trying to bridge the gap between them. "What do the flowers mean, Lei-er?" he asked gently, hoping to engage with his little Niu she cao and understand the source of his distress. Yet, his son simply shrugged, his small hands ripping the petals in half with a sense of purpose that was both troubling and telling.

Based on the flowers scattered around him, Hua Cheng could see that they were only buds, not yet having had the chance to fully bloom and showcase their beauty. It was as if they were a reflection of his son’s own suppressed emotions, still waiting for the right moment to flourish, yearning for expression amidst the silence.

His son did not deserve the events that had unfolded that day. Hua Cheng wished he was there so that the God could experience true retribution and could die again and again for hurting his son.

But Hua Lei spoke not a word and just looked so very tired. The day faded into night and Hua Lei began to grow more and more exhausted and began to drift asleep. Hua Cheng attempted to catch his son before he hit the floor from his sitting position but as soon as Hua Cheng was able to touch Hua Lei, his son jumped awake. Still, Hua Cheng picked up his cold and layed him on the bed.

Hua Cheng wished his little Niu she cao to have the sweetest dreams of murder that night.

Chapter Text

Soon enough spring turned to summer.

Hua Lei easily looked past the whole event with that man, choosing to focus on the other things consuming his life. However, his Baba and A-die were far too preoccupied with their worries, fixated on the idea that he might be in danger. They took it upon themselves to ensure that he was never left alone without either one of them or another trusted person nearby. As a result, Hua Lei found his circle of companions limited to his Baba, A-die, Ling Wen, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing.

While their intentions were undoubtedly rooted in love and concern for his safety, Hua Lei couldn’t help but feel stifled by their overprotective nature. It wasn’t necessarily a cruel or harsh thing that they were doing, but the constant weight of their eyes weighed heavily on him. He disliked being the center of attention, particularly when it was rooted in memories of that man. 

The fellow, utterly consumed, driven by a desperate need for distraction from the truth, he dared not whisper to his so-called soulmate! How frightfully predictable that he nurtured inner demons. And a mere 'sorry' being so inconsevable? The audacity! What grand absolution did he presume to purchase with such paltry coinage.

The event with that God was nothing compared to the horrors the Huli Jing experienced with Qi-ge Yue Qingyuan. It was still bad, of course, but nothing as serious or horrible.

Despite the trust he shared with his parents about finding someone who could help assure that another would not break in and try to do something they shouldn’t, the situation made him feel trapped. A cage. He longed for a sense of normalcy and independence, wishing his parents could see that he was capable of handling himself in a world filled with both uncertainties and possibilities.

Hua Lei sighed as Ling Wen was watching him water his plants. He had just finished with the last plant… but did it matter? This flower would soon die. It was wilting as the flower loved a few months and was one of the rarest plants to exist in his selection of plants.

Hua Lei sat on the floor with a hunched back, he released his hair from its bun to flow freely and to hide his face. As always. His gaze followed the floor, even though it was wooden and the pattern ended up being monotonous pat the initial look at the floor. The boy rubbed his hand on the floor - hoping for a second that a splinter may come soon.

"Is Young Master Hua alright?" Ling Wen asked with concern hidden beneath her calm and sensible voice. Hua Lei couldn't care about that at all. He cared about being comfortable.

'You're not here to look after my mental state - only physical.' Hua Lei responded through his array. He could understand her but Hua Lei only let himself live in woe. He wanted to go to the mortal world so that he could see Airplane shooting towards the sky.

Hua Lei missed his companion so very much. It had been far too many years and yet Shang Qinghua would only understand the time from his first life. But part of Hua Lei believed it to be for the best. Somehow.

"Mental state does lead to physical state, so it is also a priority for me." Ling Wen grew closer and ended up sitting on the floor with him. Leaning on his back and Hua Lei could sense the smile plaguing her face as she relaxed. Hua Lei wouldn't deny her making him feel more calm and eased the dread a little. Slowly.

Hua Lei reciprocated with a warm smile, his expression brightening as he raised his head to look up at the sun hanging high in the blue sky that reminded him of Ling Wen's eyes. Hua Lei felt a deep sense of fatigue settling into his bones. The events of the past few months had taken their toll on him, leaving him feeling weary and drained. Strange. At least for a heavenly being's existence. He took a deep breath, hoping to draw in some energy from the sunlight, but it seemed that no amount of warmth could shake off the exhaustion that clung to him. He was not a flower like the plants that surrounded him. He was a fox and a human - not a plant.

Hua Lei thought and understood the plant that would soon die. The flower had a fleeting moment of beauty in its short and life that was full of necessary aid. It was too let those who must die to die. The beauty in the death. The true honesty that the flowers showed. Hua Lei wished he could die like that flower, rather than being consumed by eternal life.

But that wasn't true.

He was someone plagued by the truth of his experience. Forever. He would live again and again. There wasn't anything the young Huli Jing could do anything about, it was a rather cruel existence but the system was much too much of an inhuman being to understand anything.

The flower named Boy allowed himself a moment to fade into the deep sorrows that so commonly encased his very physical body. This sadness was not just a fleeting emotion but rather a heavy weight that settled on his heart. An ache. Horribly, it wrapped itself around his chest like a vice, constricting his breath and clouding his thoughts. The sensation was almost palpable, as if it were a tangible entity, invading every corner of his being.

It would rot the edges of that ache, turning it into something more profound and unsettling. In moments like this, he felt as if he were drowning in an ocean of despair, each wave pulling him further under, leaving him gasping for air. Yet, amidst the darkness, there lingered a faint glimmer of hope, a fragile reminder that even in the depths of sorrow, beauty could still bloom, waiting patiently for the light to return.

Chapter Text

Summer began to fall asleep as autumn arrived.

Hua Lei found himself turning fourteen. The day so happened to fall on The Mid-Autumn Festival, where many grew smug for the future event. Useless. Every year, Hua Lei's Baba won without fail. A-die would never let his beloved fail, which felt rather sweet but Hua Lei could only ever recall his Baba always looking embarrassed as the number grew every time.

That day always fell on Hua Lei's birthday. The Gods saw it as a way in which to celebrate all the good things surrounding heaven. Not as if Hua Lei ever desired such to be thought, but it was not much of the young Huli Jing's choice to be seen as a symbol for a place that he did not believe that he belonged to. Cruelty. It felt a bit like cruelty. There was far too many eyes on him during the celebrations as so many crossed his path in order to meaninglessly converse. 

Hua Lei grew joyful at the thought of leaving the heavenly realm. He had already spent the time of punishment in that eternal nightmare of a place, in which he had to train his expressions. Hua Lei appreciated that. And yet he would leave at midnight after the celebrations had occurred.

Hua Lei watched as the play's of so many God's lifes would play. Many stories were so far from being the slightest but fascinating that Hua Lei felt himself begin to drift asleep. A-die sat next to Baba and would squeeze Hua Lei's hand when Hua Lei was about to fall into a deep slumber, it felt rather lucky for A-die to do that or else Hua Lei would have slept the night away. Happily.

But under the close watch of boredom - the night reigned high and sleep would soon take over everyone's consciousness. He retreated to his Baba's palace as the slightly cold air fell through his ears. To Hua Lei's dismay. It would be a while till he could release his foxy features into the wind.

He walked up from the entrance. His room was on the left and Hua Lei could smell the remnants of the flowers that had fallen into slumber due to the change in season. The mixed smells wafted through the air and made their weight known in Hua Lei's mouth and lungs as a way of remembrance. 

Hua Lei found nothing of interest to take with him as he prepared for his journey. He did not require much for the adventure ahead, as he believed that simplicity was key to clarity of mind and spirit. The essentials were all he needed, and in his heart, he felt that an overabundance of belongings would only weigh him down, both physically and mentally.

Ultimately, he decided that the most important thing he could carry was his knowledge of the world that surrounded the young fox… though he should now call himself the young human. It felt strange to say such words. Surreal.

But Hua Lei did not necessarily wish to say array when it was not even his true voice. The young human sighed. There was little that Hua Lei could even think to say as his limited use for speaking left so many thoughts within his head that he had to restrain so as not to look peculiar. Wearing a mask is to commit.

Hua Lei descended the stairs to the ground floor of the towering structure, his heart feeling unnaturally steady compared to his break from the life to which he had built for himself - or more accurately others had built for him. As he reached the bottom, he felt the truth of what was occurring before his eyes. 

He approached the edge of the heavenly realm. With a deep breath, Hua Lei gathered his thoughts and focused on the moment ahead. Then, Hua Lei jumped. The rush of wind enveloped him as he fell , fully confident that he would cause no harm to himself from the descent. 

Hua Lei took a moment to himself as he looked at the mortal realm he had long since known. It was raining. It felt rather peculiar to see the rain once more. The pattern fell upon his head as everything felt ever so sweet in comparison to the lack of any weather. It was measmurising. Perfect.

Hua Lei walked forward into the nearby town. Few were outside due to a combination of the time and weather, but Hua Lei felt himself needing to retreat into the alleyways so that he could escape gaining a cold. He almost forgot to hide his Huli Jing features but soon caught himself.

"Well, isn't he a cutie?" Hua Lei heard a man say behind him as he passed. He was rather used to it. Hua Lei continued to walk past but heard as each of the figures walked with the young boy. 

"He would cost a good amount." A female voice called as he felt more eyes on him - though it was not as many as he was used to in the heavenly realm. Creeps would inhabit every space and so this felt mild.

And with that, he got kidnapped. It was rather sudden and as a product, Hua Lei would not be hurt by anyone before being sold. Hua Lei allowed it out of not really caring. He was powerful enough to get out of a situation like this without much hassle from others.

The young boy fell asleep before long as everything about the kidnapping and selling of himself felt so very bland and repetitive. But soon enough, he awoke in a place that smelt rather like home. Strange. Floral scents wafted through the air before Hua Lei could properly wake up and the young boy believed himself to be in the heavenly realm where he had been living for the past two years.

"Look, he is about to wake up!" An exited voice called to another. Hua Lei opened his eyes in response to find two women who he could vaguely remember, although he wasn't completely sure where from.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu travelled towards the warm red pavillion.

That evening sky of which he knew so very well, was riddled with rain that sought out to puncture Shen Jiu's ears. His ears became red and caused a migraine to form. Shen Jiu attempted to cover his ears with his hands only to find out that It was not possible due to the cold water instead hitting his hands. Asshole!

Shen Jiu groaned at the realisation. He would still be teased by the courtesans, even in his sensitive space. It was not like the young boy could ever refuse a senior, and the actions against him were not laced with resentment, like it was towards the male species. Nice. It was the only intention he could find.

Shen Jiu soon arrived at the brothel and could instantly relax when the young boy found the madam of the brothel. The woman was tough, but she was rather sweet. She cared about everyone who was beneath her and recalled what it was for the young girls, she did not at the start of her career, but she soon realised. She liked money but not greedily. It was needed to survive.

She was in her late forties and once had a husband although she was left when the asshole grew affection to a younger whore. The madam held no malice towards the idiot. 

"Hello, Shen Jiu. Sure took you a month? Well nevermind, there Is a new Courtesan and we need your help." Shen Jiu did not get the chance to speak and yet he didn't find himself giving two shits. A new woman would be fun.

"Here he is, he's mute it appears." The madam opened the door for Shen Jiu as if he was important rather than a past slave. Wait. He?! 

The boy was clearly younger than Shen Jiu. He had long hair that had strange colourings - dark brown before a streak of black and faded to orange. Exotic. One could say. His eyes were large and peach blossom shaped to make him seem innocent, despite being a man and therefore a fucking bitch with a god complex.

Shen Jiu leaned on the sturdy wooden wall whilst sneering at the pretty boy. And yet, he didn't respond. At least not how Shen Jiu expected him to, like a real male creature. Instead, he acted like this was the most common event and kept a blank face whilst acting so very above everyone.

His posture was tall. This pretty boy was definitely born into a good family and was treated as such. Why wasn't he at all offended by Shen Jiu - a literal slave child - and acting like this was a dog's attempt to entertain.

"You deaf, or mute?" Shen Jiu asked with a mocking tone. The pretty boy pointed towards his lips and then smiled as he tilted his head - happy that someone cared. Shen Jiu scoffed. Pathetic. 

"Can you write?" Shen Jiu didn't even look at the pretty boy as he asked. The pretty boy nooded and then smiled even brighter than before ; it was disgusting and repulsive, to say the very least. The madam got a piece of paper and dipped a brush with ink so the boy could write properly instead of acting so high and mighty despite not even speaking.

"What's your name?" Shen Jiu asked another question and it felt so strange. The boy began to write with swift pace but there was not one change In his perfect posture and Shen Jiu looked at the calligraphy. It also had to be perfect. 

"Hua Lei. Really? That's your name - you sure are meant to be a courtesan." Shen Jiu expected the boy to be sad or even mad at the discovery or remembrance of his fate, yet the boy just let out a giggle. Cute. He would be a fine Courtesan. For perverts - at least - they would find him innocent and able to tarnish.

Shen Jiu hated the feeling of a boy being in his safe space. Crumbling the heaven that he had made for himself as an escape from the brutes that consumed every moment of his life in Cang Qiong. He did not want some boy to be here when he was- at the very least- he wasn't at all desiring a presence so different from the one he actually liked.

Shit. Shen Jiu began to sour once more as he sneered further. The disgust laced his mouth like poison and he felt it travel down his throat in an attempt to kill him. It was retribution for those killed. His hands were impure - he knew as much- and yet he was made to live with someone so impure that he pretended to be pure rather than showing his true nature.

Shen Jiu wouldn't be surprised if he was banned the next day for trying to sneak around the women there as well as pretending to be a mute to separate any uncomfortable part within their own brain as a manipulative little bitch. Obviously. Whether the name itself was a fabricated tool to taunt the people, they remained blissfully unaware! 

A man was barely a person. They were beasts hiding in disguise, waiting for anyone weaker than them so they could take advantage of someone. Their place was in mud. Shen Jiu understood his position long ago. These fools simply overestimated their own virtue. How amusing.

Shen Jiu hated every single man, despite the fact that he was one himself. This profound loathing was not a passing thought, but it was a honest reaction moulded by a lifetime of knowing the truth of men throughout his sixteen years. Growing up, he had witnessed the darker sides of them, the way Qiu Jianluo sought power , often with mockery towards Shen Jiu.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was content with the hatred.

He knew that Shen Jiu truly despised him when he gazed upon his being, and yet, he couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Hua Lei's old friend embodying the scum villain of how he should be as Hua Lei desired little to no change to occur for his friend. It was… sweet. 

It was sweet in a way that was difficult to communicate for someone who was unable to do so. There was something profoundly endearing about witnessing Shen Jiu, being, caught up in the throes of pure, unfiltered hatred directed towards half of human existence despite being in that demographic. Hua Lei, after all, was not human, yet the intensity of Shen Jiu’s emotions made it all feel rather humorous to hear.

To see Shen Jiu unleash that side of himself was a rather refreshing glimpse of that life from which he hated. It was as if, in those moments, he was shedding the layers of indifference that hid both Hua Lei and Shen Jiu, both slaves to one being or another, revealing their… sensitivity. The way Shen Jiu's eyes glinted with hatred, it was all so nice. There was no other way to describe it.

Hua Lei might not have been human, but Shen Jiu’s feelings towards him were undeniably real. Hua Lei would rather be hated than adored. That was the truth. Yet he was now placed as a possession for the highest bidder or die from a diseased man with no honour.

'The System will never let you die like that, you can never get sick! Imagine a spirit getting sick?'

…Thanks. Hua Lei sighed as he looked at the madam once more. The women in the brothel were not perfectly educated but a few could understand basic calligraphy and Hua Lei found not a single person who spoke sign language. It was disappointing but not far from understanding.

"Hua Lei, you can spend one year learning talents before being able to bed any clients. Xiao-Jiu, the boy who was here, was ordered by me to return once a week for you to have someone who is around your age and similar. He's an ass but means well." The madam had an aura around her that exuded warmth whilst being sharp. Hua Lei liked that.

Hua Lei nodded as he was guided to his room, rather than a Jiejie's. He looked at the carvings and saw how many servant girls ran around with things in their hands yet placed no fear in their eyes and instead looked exited for some reason.

Hua Lei looked at his room and saw the intricate carvings except in one single place around the edges - which the Madam noticed. "As I said, you will spend a year learning talents before being able to bed any clients. Carving in a flower title will be a part of that. All Courtesans are labeled with flowers."

Hua Lei felt satisfied at that answer and smiled at her. He knew his smile and saw how the madam's eyes widened as she blushed and then began grinning. "You, Hua Lei, will make a fine Courtesan."

And with that, she left. Hua Lei let his smile drop as he was left in seclusion to sleep the night away, but Hua Lei did not desire to sleep through when he was most productive. Hua Lei did not like the layout of the room that was now his. He released his foxy features and began to mark the place freely of his scent before hiding his ears and tail once more so that he both would not get caught and was able to move his furniture without being overwhelmed by making sure things would not catch.

Hua Lei found the layout to be inviting but dead in a way. The bed had a canopy which he liked, but it was in the middle of the room right beside a balcony overlooking the main street in front. Window-shopping. Was his first thought. Hua Lei first cleared the Eastern wall so it was to the right of the southern entrance and had a few draws in front to create a winding path towards where the bed was. The balcony was now to the right of his bed and the room felt more cozy and lived in. Contentment made its path through Hua Lei.

The young boy found himself attempting to rest only to find that the bed was rather stiff. Hua Lei was unable to properly sink into bed, causing a small disturbance. Small? He was lying. Hua Lei could not sleep that night due to how uncomfortable that bed was and instead thought of what he was able to do in that moment.

Hua Lei enjoyed waking up early in the morning and going to bed late at night. This routine allowed him to take advantage of midday and evening naps, which he found himself in frequently. The young fix believed that these brief periods of rest were the best way to gain anything from the rest required of him. However, he was acutely aware of the importance of maintaining appearances in his line of work as a courtesan. 

In such a world where beauty were above everything, he understood that any decline in his appearance could severely affect his marketability and reputation despite not even debuting. The pressure to look impeccable at all times would make his frequent short naps not just a luxury, but necessary to keep his charm intact. This balance between rest and the demands of his profession was something he did not favour due to being spoilt by his Baba and A-die so frequently.

Hua Lei saw as a woman walked slowly into his room and looked confused for a moment before looking at him and approaching. "Hello, Hua Lei, I will be your first Jiejie and help you on your first day whilst being your teacher for the skills required of you. My name is Wen Chunhua, meaning spring flowers, and my title is the white lily of the red warm palace pavilion."

Chapter Text

Wen Chunhua liked the small boy.

Hua Lei was undeniably pretty, with striking golden eyes that seemed to sparkle like the finest gold hair accessory that she had been given by a client, accentuated by long, thick eyelashes that were simply mesmerising with his every blink. Each flutter of his lashes was almost hypnotic, captivating the Courtesan's attention when she glanced his way. His hair was another element of his charm; it cascaded down in long, flowing waves that framed his face perfectly. 

The color was particularly unique, transitioning from a deep, lustrous black near the bottom to a vibrant orange at the tips. Strangely the rest of his hair was a chestnut brown. This intriguing blend of colors not only highlighted his exotic features but also gave him an air of mystery that left people curious about his background and personality.

Hua Lei had a presence that was impossible to ignore. When she entered his room upon that morning, she found himself actively trying not to claim him as her own child and make sure he would never be hurt. There was something about the way he carried himself, a quiet confidence that complemented his beauty.

 With each step, he exuded a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, it wouldn't be surprising if he admitted that he belonged to a another realm. His unique look and captivating demeanor made him a figure of intrigue, leaving many to wonder about the stories that lay behind those enchanting golden eyes.

Not to mention his obviously small waist. The boy wore it as it was rather than teasing -however easy it could be with that figure- he seemed a bit oblivious about it, but it was not a thing she would mention. She still had self-respect.

Wen Chunhua was the white lily of the red warm palace pavilion because she was a rather sorrowful creature. She was someone who had lost a few of her children as well as her husband- whom she admittedly did not give two dimes about, but she loved her children above all. She used to be a noble-woman, but without a husband, she grew desperate. Not even her beloved 'friend' could save her, so she had to find a new line of work.

Her beloved did not care about it much so long as Wen Chunhua would be stable and happy, so her lover would visit her under the guise of being her cousin who felt more like a sister to the courtesan. The madam found out their real relationship after the first night- where Wen Chunhua had been rather loud due to someone caring about her own pleasure.

Liao Bolin, her lover, was usually masculine, and served as a disguise for the Courtesan. This was a rather lucky advantage, allowing her to openly express for the woman without raising eyebrows or arousing suspicion among those gossiping women around her. By referring to Liao Bolin in by name only, she could seamlessly swoon over her beloved without anyone questioning the thought of her running away, thus maintaining the illusion that her only female client was merely a her cousin rather than someone she held dear to her heart.

However, the madam was not easily fooled. After discovering that Liao Bolin and her client were not genuinely related by blood, she imposed a fee for their secret meetings, reminding her that in this world, even the deepest connections came with a price. Yet, deep down, the madam understood that Liao Bolin represented a lifeline for her; the love they shared was the only thing that kept the madam from succumbing to the profound grief and despair that accompanied the loss of her own children. In this fragile bond, there was both solace and pain, a complex tapestry woven from love, loss, and the relentless struggle for survival in a harsh reality.

Hua Lei looked a bit like her Wen Fang, although with quite a few differences. She had similar eye shapes to the boy and had the exact small smile as him. Wen Fang was usually a light in Wen Chunhua's life and smiled brightly. She would only smile like that after being yelled at be her husband, her father. She didn't have long to wait. Suffering ended when all of them caught a deadly fever.

She had six other children, all loved, but so hard to be overwhelmed by her mind without crying. Hua Lei was similar to her baby and therefore, she would treat him as such. She had already introduced herself and now had to find robes that would benefit the boy. Most servant clothes were bland. She looked through her own stash of small clothes gifted to her by clients who only wished for her favour rather than a practical gift. She found something.

The robes felt like silk and were pink whilst showing spider lilies and a butterfly. Obviously it had a yellow sash embedded. Wen Chunhua saw the wrong kind of lillies but sighed as it would still suit the boy as he had no placement. 

She smiled as she returned to Hua Lei's room with the putter robes and saw how his inner robes of yesterday were pink. The boy had only removed his outer layer and so Wen Chunhua saw how the pink was uneven and looked like it had been stained from blood and attempted to be washed only for it to spread and stain the entirety.

Wen Chunhua left the robes on the boy's bed and left the room so that he could change into the beautiful robes. She wanted out the door only to spot another courtesan that she knew. Zheng Meili was a young woman a few years younger and was known to embody what a little sister was. It fits perfectly with her round cheeks and easy smile as she could appeal to men with that.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu realised that he had not spent any time with his Jiejies.

That boy had taken up most his day by being so disgusting and hogging everything so that he could be the centre of attention. The bitch deserved to die. He had no reason to pretend to be so pure when Shen Jiu was around. A flower that was budding could do easily have its petals ripped off- that was all that he deserved.

Shen Jiu crossed the road towards the brothel. It was morning but Shizun was going to a peak lord meeting and despite her eyes that followed all events, she did not care for a lot of his disappearances with the claim he was still adjusting to a cultivator way of life. At least, that was her excuse when he got caught. She really didn't notice it. It worked in his favour though, so he wouldn't complain like the many privileged asses who polluted the peak.

Shen Jiu smiled as he entered. The madam was not present in that moment so he went upstairs and found Wen-Jie and Zheng-Jie. The two were speaking without noticing their 'precious Didi'. Shen Jiu listened to their conversation without bringing any attention to himself ( he wanted to know if they really were their personas when not around him).

"Why do you get the new Didi?" Zheng-Jie asked with a clear childish pout and a childish pose of a hunched back and hands in useless fists. 

"Because, my dear, I am the most mature. You act like a child when he needs a mother figure to guide him, so I am best." Wen-Jie was as stern as ever whilst holding no sharp edges against her friend.

"But even when I'm more 'childish', I am closer to what he should be! Don't force him to grow up when he is only fourteen, he has a full year till debut and he can pull of being young. He. is. young!"

Shen Jiu scoffed, which drew the attention of the two Jiejies. They looked at him before smiling. Wen-Jie pat Shen Jiu's head with a look in her eye that challenged his seemingly cruel behaviour shown towards Hua Lei.

"Hello, should A-jiu not be more careful to at least appear to like your new Didi? You would never be the centre of attention forever." Wen-Jie spoke much too teasing and Shen Jiu attempted to push off her hands, he only succeeded when a door opened and she diverted her complete attention.

Hua Lei. He opened the door and walked out. The boy clearly didn't know how to show his outfit as he opened his arms to let people look. His youthful and borderline stunning appearance was a gift that made his awkwardness endearing for his Jiejies as they either sqealed or had a bright smile.

Zheng-Jie frequently used fans and used it to hide her pathetically large grin. She gave him a lot of fans and Shen Jiu also liked to hide his face, just not now. He proudly showed his sneer towards the pretty boy.

His hair flowed freely and Shen Jiu could see the curls to only make him look even more exotic than before and the pink of the robe made his face look even more pale whilst still being healthy and young with a careful smile. His waist was shown off as the main attraction through both the robes and his pose. Pretty. There was no other way to describe him. 

Shen Jiu envied the boy. Shen Jiu was known on his peak for his sharp tongue and undeveloped face. He looked like a child who had just hit the worst point in teenage years as his proportions felt off and unflattering -dispelling any friendships to be born. Not that he wanted any! But it would be useful to grow status instead of being a mutt to lie on the floor and take insults.

Shen Jiu sighed as the women spoke in unison to praise the appearance before Zheng-Jie introduced herself and Wen-Jie approached Shen Jiu. "A-Jiu, I have to teach Hua Lei today but you should join us. He should have someone close in age to be a good figure for relaxation. You'll benefit too!"

Shen Jiu inwardly sighed as he agreed. Hopefully Hua Lei would be sent out for being horrible with his playing or something of the sorts and Everyone will hate him! Shen Jiu actually smiled (read: grinned) at the thought.

And so the three were in Shen Jiu's regular room that was decorated in the finest silks of the guest rooms. Wen-Jie had given Hua Lei a Pipa and told him to play a piece of he knew one, to which he did. He played white snow in spring.

The song was gentle and calm, its notes felt like a tranquil breeze despite being played by a man. Zheng-Jie, with her fingers, played along with another stringed instrument, creating a contrasting tempo but felt so sweet to listen to.

 However, Shen Jiu could not help but cast a glance at Hua Lei, his expression one of clear distaste for both the man's presence and his skill with the Pipa. The instrument's enchanting melodies felt insincere to Shen Jiu, who was acutely aware of the cruelty of man that lurked beneath the soft exterior.

As the music flowed, Shen Jiu could hear the peace within his mind, a deceptive calm that threatened to lull him into a false sense of security. He forced himself to keep his guard strong, fully hated the song of deception that was being played specifically for him. Shen Jiu's instincts screamed at him, warning him to remain strong.

 It was torture to not sigh away his feelings of hatred and reflect the clam of that demonic song of deception.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu glared at Hua Lei.

Of course that boy held the same smile he always had. It barely pulled at his face and only served to make him look more friendly and acceptable. He was nothing more than marketable. Did he even need this training period of one year -he deserves to have his debut (and die from a diseased client gifting him with it).

Shen Jiu chuckled at the thought to which the boy tilted his head. The fringe he wore had longer edges and so seemed to cut his face in half -both equally pleasant for those who were blind to seeing the hideous soul of a man. Shen Jiu scoffed at the expression only for Hua Lei to laugh under his breath like the idiot he was.

Shen Jiu despised how he couldn't react or Wen-Jie would begin to grow annoyed at his antics towards the only other male that was in his vicinity. Sadly. He couldn't scream at the boy. Wen-Jie thankfully dismissed herself with the claim of needing to check her notebook of lessons for Hua Lei.

Shen Jiu waited till she fully left before he stood up and approached the boy. He got far too close for comfort and eventually sat on the boy's hips before holding his wrists. The boy showed no fear and instead wore a confused look, as If he'd deemed Shen Jiu safe, but there was no strong emotion and instead he looked a bit comfortable.

"You are a man. You deserve nothing less than death. This one does not wish to be near you. This one is only here for my Jiejies, not you. Don't seek my friendship." Shen Jiu gripped the boy's wrists, a familiar strength resurfacing, reminiscent of his unscheduled spars with Liu Qingge. But this time, the power was firmly in his grasp as he faced no losses.

Shen Jiu got off Hua Lei only to see no reaction as he simply sat up from his bed and resumed his smile and calm eyes. The only sign that the boy understood was the small nod given. Shen Jiu sighed from that.

Wen-Jie rushed in with a face of shock. "Really, A-Jiu? I would never have thought you would want the death of another. You two should be able to get along."

. .. ... Shit.

Shen Jiu let his face betray himself through the discomfort he felt as his eyebrows furrowed deeply, creating an expression that was hard to ignore. Despite the unease within him, he forced an awkward smile, that felt out of place given the situation.

It was only after a moment of contemplation that he realized the smile he wore resembled the one worn by the other boy in the room. This unsettling realization made him feel even more anxious, as he couldn’t shake off the feeling that he was somehow mimicking the other monsters demeanor.

Wen-Jie sighed as she shook her head before hugging Hua Lei. "He doesn't mean what he says xiaopengyou." But Shen Jiu did mean what he said -he despised all men that had ever walked the earth. There were no good men.

Shen Jiu was forced to watch that seemingly emotionless child benefit subjected to affection that was misplaced towards a man, and one that did not even achieve anything and therefore held no right to gain affection. Shen Jiu refused the urge to scoff.

Th death of all men would be a pleasant experience even if he himself would have to perish. And with that, humanity would die. Not like Shen Jiu would find any concern in a world where he did not even exist. He found no real downside to a world like that.

The vile nature of humans meant that if there were no men, there would be no reason for women to claim to be innocent and sweet and beautiful taught to act out of the desire of marriage. Mem set the expectations for women and they only had to work towards that ideal and be indoctrinated into believing that is just their personality. Still, they were safer because of it.

Finally, Wen-Jie released Hua Lei and looked sad and disappointed at Shen Jiu before speaking to Hua Lei. "The next thing on the list is dancing, do you have any experience with that?" Wen-Jie spoke with far too soft a tone and smiled instead of frowning when Hua Lei shook his head in response to the question presented.

"Well, I can teach you. It is one of my best crafted skills." Wen-Jie began to instruct Hua Lei through the intricate process of copying the movement to a dance. Hua Lei was particularly adept at mimicking Wen-Jie’s motions, absorbing each positionings with precision. In that moment, he was executing the movements flawlessly.

However, when it came time to combine the various elements of the dance, Hua Lei found that his performance was far too sharp and rigid compared to the graceful ideal they were aiming for. The difference made left 'some room for improvement' as Wen-Jie said; Shen Jiu thought Hua Lei should just give up. Wen-Jie, noticing this inconsistency, gently encouraged him to relax his movements and focus on embodying the rhythm and emotion of the piece, emphasizing that dance is not merely about technique but also about expressing oneself through movement.

Yet there was no stopping his incorrect fluidity. It looked more like practicing sword forms, which was something Shen Jiu struggled with. He was given a normal cultivation Manuel but his Shizun had only recently discovered that he needed a 'special' one. Just saying easier and less structured.

Yet another evyable thing about this boy. He was so perfect. At least, he showed an image of perfection to Shen Jiu who knew the truth of men. Shen Jiu grew far too annoyed with that thing called a human and stood up to leave.

"Where are you going?" Wen-Jie called but Shen Jiu continued leaving. His mind riddled with that disgusting boy. And with his mind that consumed, he tripped on the stairs...

Only to be caught by him.

The boy held no different expression and instead released him once he got stable footing and then left. Shen Jiu wanted to shout at him for touching him, but was unable to for some reason.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu hated all of the boys of Qing Jing Peak.

He knew his unagreeable nature. He knew how all thought of him. Shen Jiu was not the type of person who was able to exist freely near anyone. It had only been a month and a half since his arrival and he was already known for being a strange person with no friends -he would stay near women whilst not interacting. He was no ghost yet he was considered as such for those on Qing Jing.

Those separate were a different conversation. Liu Qingge had half the mind of and Qiu, which was saying quite a lot. The brute would go into am unscheduled spar with Shen Jiu despite him only having limited knowledge in fighting in a proper manner. So, he resorted to tricks. The succeeding disciple of Bai Zhan would yell about it being unjust and that it brought dishonour upon his family -clearly oblivious to the fact that Shen Jiu possessed no family.

Then there was ɘǫ-iỌ Yue Qingyuan. The man was nineteen years of age and yet acted like both a toddler and a kicked puppy, all at once. He would follow Shen Jiu around and speak about anything that crossed his mind whilst Shen Jiu would attempt to shake him off and mentally kill him. The man was so useless that a fox spirit had to save him instead.

Sure, fox spirits may be respected and there was a saying that "Where there is no fox demon, no village can be established." And also that "Out of every ten houses in the capital, six or seven have a fox demon, but it will do no harm and people are used to them." Yet Shen Jiu actively saw that Huli Jing kill Qiu Jianluo with his own hands before allowing Shen Jiu to torture the remains. Foolish. People act as if all act the same. Then again, female Huli Jing are much more common than male.

Shen Jiu also thought of the rank of the Huli Jing. When he saw it, it had only three tails and so was either a huzu or a husheng. A fox clan or a fox saint… Shen Jiu saw it as his unwelcome Saint as he did not desire the Huli Jing to save him but he was thankful to not be abandoned by everything, he had a chance to escape and was able to murder the bastard. Shen Jiu also knew that fox was the Silent Song Of Death. It took a while to respond to the facts but the Huli Jing walked in the directions of mount Tonglu and soon after a Huli Jing was crowned as a Ghost King. It was a hard thing to deny due to the rarity of the species.

The elders spoke of the immature young monks, not understanding this, believe in these fox-spirits, with a worrying tone for the future. At least that was something he could mould for his own future as Shen Jiu saw the being with his own two eyes, despite the thing covering itself completely. Shen Jiu pondered the reason why, but abandoned the thought soon after.

There was no reason to do so, despite the truth that Shen Jiu spent most his days in the Qing Jing library trying to find the slightest sliver of knowledge about that species. At least he spent more time in there than the other 'scholars' of the peak.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Hua Lei found joy in the small parts of his day. It was only his second official days and he still found difficulty in dancing, he wasn't able to assure his movements were soft in even one dance. But he enjoyed the tea making and songs as he already knew as such.

Wen Chunhua was very surprised to see him succeeding with everything else and calling him a perfect flower. She spoke of how he seemed like a fine young master. The room would commonly be filled with her chattering in an attempt to ward off the silence that would exude off Hua Lei with his very existence.

Soon enough, Zheng Meili came in. The woman was very childish and did a better job of filling the room. The words of his title were brought up and they were very interested in the idea.

"I believe he will be titled the Lotus due to an ideal of elegance, grace, and moral character, as well as it being Gentleman's Flower- A metaphor for officials and people with pure hearts." Her words were filled with grace as before she lowered her face and muttered "and they are a child of a Lilly flower."

Hua Lei heard it clearly but he barely existed in the room. Zheng Meili seemed not to hear due to being human but she-

"I think it will be a chrysanthemum because he's a male courtesean." . . . What? Zheng Meili showed no guilt as she smiled, pleased with her answer. Wen Chunhua gasped and grew extremely red, although it was Hua Lei who was spoken about.

"Lei-er, how about you leave for a moment. I have something to discuss." Hua Lei got up without hesitation and left. He understood what they would do from his experiences with Feng Xin and Mu Qing who would commonly fight, although they were close. Of course, it was a different type of closeness. Two were aggressively married and the others were aggressively friends.

He released the place he left was his own room and so he was unable to go anywhere else with confidence and so he simply went downstairs to the ground floor. There were three platforms and he lived on the highest and therefore had the best view. The second floor was the least populated too as it was meant for new Courtesans, which were rather rare in the warm red pavillion despite it treating workers the best out of the competition available.

He looked around the ground floor and near the entrance, he saw The System, who beconed to him. The System wore it's face of Ming Yue as another Courtesean kept their eyes on the strange woman who requested someone who has not yet debuted.

"Hello, Young Master Hua. Despite the thoughts of the woman beside me, I do not wish to bed you. Only to convey a message, though I must whisper through your ears if not left to ourselves." The System turned to the woman who stayed still whilst looking at her.

The System leaned in close and whispered "Your parents will be visiting tomorrow and will enter through the dice. Trust they will help you if you need it."

She instantly stood up and began to leave with a smile planted on her lips. Only for the Courtesan to speak out against what she had seen from the servant towards a fellow whore. "Aren't you going to buy out his contract before he is tainted? It can be Very dangerous!

"No. He needs some hardship and I don't frankly care about young master Hua enough to report to his parents." The System said calmly as she walked off. 

The Courtesan's face shifted as she turned to him and hugged deeply. "Everything will be okay, this Duan Niu will be your Niu-Jie and you can let me take care of you."

Hua Lei appreciated the gesture but really nothing was wrong.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei focused on his parents arrival that day.

He had woken up from a poor rest and immediately recalled what the System had spoken of last time in addition to the thought of how to escape any social situation that could cause his parents to be seen by another Courtesean.

The sun was very unwelcome for the small boy who required nothing more than comfort and rest whilst forced to awake to deal with others deciding he was good to speak to despite it only able to be one sided.

He had been social enough that day, though Wen Chunhua was difficult to please with the amount of time spent with him. He had to look at his new Niu-Jie. She instantly ran to his side and tried to speak about letting him rest for now, she would no doubt tell Wen Chunhua about the events of yesterday. Hua Lei did not mind per-say.

Niu-Jie guided Wen Chunhua out of the room with her hands on the others shoulders and a strained to e that only felt pathetic if you were thinking about her, but Wen Chunhua's gaze was plastered on Hua Lei only to find nothing opposing the other and so smiled as she left.

Hua Lei shut his door. In the confines of his own room, he finally allowed his constant small smile to fall, shedding the mask of politeness that he had worn throughout the morning. No longer did he need to maintain that carefully constructed facade. Instead, he could reveal the true nature of his feelings, a neutrality that had been cultivated through variety from his four lives so far. 

Hua Lei was not one for excitement but at this point he was still able to feel emotions, if that would last, he did not yet know at all. Hua Lei sighed as he sat himself on a seat before his tea tray that he had recently cleaned despite there being no stains. It was a simple preference to clean it frequently.

Just then he heard the sound of a dice and his door opened as his parents walked towards. Hua Lei grinned at his parents arrival to see the grin replicated on his A-die. Hua Lei released his Huli Jing features.

"Well, look at our little budding flower. Is my little Niu she cao infecting every one with the very thought of yourself yet?" A-die sat down before him and Baba replicated.

"I'm surprised you are not on your bed?" Baba asked, a hint of curiosity lacing his voice. Hua Lei responded almost immediately, his expression shifting to a more shy smile that revealed his reluctance to admit the truth.

"It's a firm bed, I prefer soft," he explained. His array, luckily conveyed his thoughts in a way that sounded polite rather than spoiled, allowing him to maintain a semblance of dignity.

"You can come home if you desire," Baba instantly responded, his voice laced with obvious concern. The warmth in his tone suggested that he genuinely cared about his son's comfort. Hua Lei looked to the side, avoiding his Baba's gaze, and his parents exchanged a knowing sigh,.

"Lei-er wishes to stay, right?" Baba asked, his brow furrowing slightly in concern as he tried to gauge his son's true intentions. The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken worries and hopes. Hua Lei hesitated, feeling the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. 

Hua Lei wanted to reassure them, to let them know that he appreciated their concern, but he also needed to this. The room felt charged with emotion, and he took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, wanting to ensure he expressed himself clearly and honestly.

'There is someone from my past life here, I wish to be near him as he did no harm to me. Yet, if I remain, I will no doubt meet the same man whom made me unable to speak due to their close relationship… attempted close relationship?' A gasp came but Hua Lei did not know which of his parents had made that gasp.

Baba and A-die froze and glanced at eachother before turning back to their little Niu she cao whom they knew and cared about and saw how determined Hua Lei's face was as he looked at the two with a fierce face that was rarely shown in contrast to his usual blank one that would at most beautiful adorned with a small smile or small furrow to his brows.

"If you are going to stay, I suppose you need your bed so that you can sleep best. In return, you must have my butterflies here, my little Niu she cao can use Qi to move them if he desires but I will be notified if that occurs." His A-die spoke with a light tone and caused a smile to grace his lips as he tilted his head like he always did.

And there were his parents and some servants bringing a few things from home to the room whilst some greeted the young Huli Jing , who they had not seen for quite some time. A few chuckled when they saw the young master's tails wag. The five tails were now thick and of a gorgeous colour.

One of the ghosts stroked his tail to which he flinched as a blush came and he instantly glared at them only for the ghost to look like they had seen the best things in life as they looked down at the small pouting fox. Irresistible. Hua Lei could almost hear their thoughts as they reciprocated in blush.

Hua Lei saw it coming but immediately went to his A-die, who scared the ghost off. It was handy for his A-die to bring fear out of others whilst his Baba would be more likely to either fight or verbally berate the offender.

Hua Lei saw how his privacy screen was exchanged for his floral one where one of the butterflies stitched in. The canopy above the bed was also shifted from a white colour to green as a few colourings were shifted to match his favourite colours of light green and pink for highlights. As such, there were beads stitched into a lotus on the canopy and included the lily pad beneath it.

Hua Lei smiled as he sunk into the bed whilst the ghosts were still leaving and as such, kept their eyes on the young master and smiled with entertainment as they saw the pure indulgence of the Huli Jing who was so very loved by all and helpful to all.

Hua Lei was pleased, although hoped to go to others rooms instead of them coming to his, at least for a while until no one would realise the differences that were both a convenience and an inconvenience to his daily life.

Hua Lei still let himself to relax in that moment.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu spent a lot of time at the brothel.

Months had passed to which the young cultivator had visited at least once a week towards the brothel whilst managing his studies of cultivation back on Qing Jing Peak. There was little more he could do. 

He did what he must and only indulged in contentment in the few moments free of men in the brothel -being by himself would not do due to the fear of a man lurking somewhere and meaning harm towards himself.

Shen Jiu was currently in the library, where it was filled with so many books. It was populated by few disciples but was almost silent to the point of non-existence and Shen Jiu himself found his feet moving slowly and gently to deny any attention that could be raised towards himself as he sat down at a table to read his book.

The library was one of darkness due to a combination of dark wood and a lighting talisman being necessary due to the Qing Jing Peak Lord believing if you are not even able to write and use a basic talisman, that you are unworthy to read a book in the collection.

"Disciple Shen." A female voice called, it was mature enough that it could only be one person in the entire sect. 

"This disciple greets Shizun." Shen Jiu acknowledged how his Shizun commonly acted so strangely and disliked extended sentence as it only acted to look more intelligent to the other party. That was not the logical way to go about things to a person who values honesty.

"You have done well, I'm announcing you the head disciple." She looked at him as if it was a test to which he kept his face wildly neutral separate from a small smile that pulled on his lips to show he was at least pleased.

"I will do my best, Shizun." Shen Jiu then realised that his smile was rather similar to that Hua Lei wore and began to regret choosing such a smile but it was already ingrained due to the Courtesan never letting go of his mask for some foolish reason unbeknownst to himself.

His Shizun hummed in acknowledgement as she left the library with an equally content face dorning her scholarly features in a way that massively complimented itself. Shen Jiu shaked his face to remove something so close to the man of which he was forced to be so close to as a near daily occurrence.

Shen Jiu did not desire to be seen by anyone upon that day, and yet he saw the other disciples all looking at him the same way they did when he first arrived -like he was a mystery to be uncovered- and Shen Jiu actively glared at those who were loud, yet none were loud enough to hear what they were speaking of.

The head disciple did not frankly care about any of this that was so he simply went towards a secluded spot within the bamboo forest so that he may find peace for once in his 'tragic' life. Yet of course he had to be interrupted.

Liu Qingge had to make his presence known like he was unable to hide it. A brute will always act like one, even in the face of danger and the possibility of death as a form of destruction. Shen Jiu scowled at the boy who came with his sword raised due to recently earning one -no doubt coming to show off, despite the fact Shen Jiu had not even earned his own yet. And this was the boy whom called him a cheater.

"Are you going to a brothel?" Liu Qingge's voice was laced with a tone riddled with disgust and a hatred that ran so deep, Shen Jiu would not doubt that if he ripped open the man's chest, he would see a black heart filled with that very hatred.

Shen Jiu thought of a response that was most likely to piss the man off and once again thought of Hua Lei. He turned to the boy with a simple smile and said nothing over the time that stretched on seemingly forever until he could see the growing aggression clear on Liu Qingge's face.

"Speak! You scum." Liu Qingge shouted the fist word only for the distain to quite the last sentence in an attempt for it to mean more to the old slave who had already been pushed to limits far beyond being taunted. It meant nothing.

Liu Qingge stomped closer with his hand tensing around the sword in his hand where Shen Jiu could see Cheng Luan engraved upon the silver glow that illuminated from within the metals. "Speak now, villain!"

Shen Jiu enjoyed this tactic, yet did not like who it was associated with and so finally spoke despite not hiding his smile of malice from shining upon the man who was as ugly as himself from that face from which he pulled. 

"Ha! So what kind of proof do you have? Though, I don't doubt you being enough of a brute to where you will pull your new shiny sword out to fight the accused and play hero to the ones creating those rumours, who will in turn abuse your foolishness in the future and form a world where only idiots like yourself will live."

 Shen Jiu didn't understand why his Shizun didn't praise those who manipulated the wording and extended speech when it was used on assholes and shifting their views even if only for a moment!

Chapter Text

Hua Lei enjoyed many mornings, waking up early only so that he may rest whilst conscious and able to enjoy.

He acknowledged that he had to leave his bed and wait outside as he has for months now, but he felt horrible as he waited until he had to get out of bed so that he could wait outside for Wen Chunhua. Although it had been long enough that he may avoid suspension with all of the additional accessories within his room.

The months had gone by quickly. Almost too much so as the young boy was just over halfway to debut. Hua Lei commonly had to remember that he would take on clients soon enough as his training was near complete there was a main focus upon dancing to which Hua Lei had just about perfected by pretending to be certain characters to which the dance would make sense to replicate. Perfection.

The method proved very effective to make even Wen Chunhua admitted that he should perform in front of other, which meant quite a lot due to her possessive nature and desire to keep him all to herself for some reason. Well, Hua Lei knew her desire to reclaim her family that she had lost.

Hua Lei realised it was time to wake up as he immediately threw the covers off himself it was beginning to turn into summer and so he would only need to wait a few minutes before the bed became uncomfortable for his sensitive senses.

He fetched himself his robes. Many were commissioned for himself, and his parents were among the people who would do so. His parents brought the highest quality of robes that he would wear on occasion but did not like to wear every day for both variety and because he did not like to waste the clothes that had been bestowed upon him.

This time he chose a robe presented by Wen Chunhua when he succeeded in his first dance. It was a light robe and he liked it immensely but couldn't wear it when it was given as it was then winter and everyone would have looked at him strangely.

He knew he should probably seek out other people instead of keeping to being comfortable but he really did not understand how to properly go to others. He couldn't speak and certainly that made conversing difficult when most Courtesans understood writing but hated it.

The robe given was a light green colour and Wen Chunhua actively chose that outfit so that he would match with Shen Jiu. Hua Lei did not understand why it was that Wen Chunhua desired them to get along so well, but it meant nothing to the, still, small boy.

It was embroidered to have a bouquet of flowers of all colours to help 'show the options of what he could be'. He already knew he would be the white lotus, it was obvious from the first moment that Wen Chunhua spoke of the flower and the reason to why. 

It wasn't like Hua Lei hated the choice.

Quite the contrary, it was a flower that was both memorable and seemingly fantastic whilst able to apply to everyone whom he could meet and therefore flatter them for being so alike- making him sink into a role of obedience and nonexistence, just as he should be.

Hua Lei put on his robes quickly and left his room. He always stood outside his room to wait -not minding the stares he still got for acting like he was dead. He didn't move during that time spent waiting and yet no one let him do what he must in peace, it had been so long since he begun that he thought no one would look at him, but they did.

Thankfully, Wen Chunhua came by soon enough. It wasn't like he knew how long he stood there when he was busy thinking about anything that crossed his mind. She looked very happy as a large smile stretched across her face and her movements were just a bit to swift to call elegant.

"Come, come. A-Jiu has some news for us all. I know it will make you happy, now won't it Lei-er?" She grabbed his hand and rushed back to her room, where Shen Jiu was leaning on a wall with a bothered look about his face.

Hua Lei suspected he would be the head disciple any day now and it seemed the day had come, only a bit more time before he would get Xiu ya. Hua Lei sat down on the floor as soon as Wen Chunhua let go of himself.

"Does he really have to know?" Wen Chunhua gave him a look. "Fine, I became the head disciple of Qing Jing Peak."

Hua Lei realised he couldn't congratulate him and had recently run out of Wen Chunhua's ink yet not replaced it, so he let out a small clap. It sounded odd in contrast to the silence that had buried itself in Hua Lei's thoughts spreading.

"Don't mock me, you whore!" Shen Jiu yelled as he sneered once more at Hua Lei, the Sam he always seemed to do, no matter if he smiled or tilted his head, it would be interpreted as the worst case scenario.

"Shen Jiu! We do not say those kinds of words." 

"Don't speak to me like I'm a fucking child!"

Hua Lei droned out the senseless bickering between the two as Wen Chunhua would no doubt win, yet it was always messy and he had seen her motherly mask slip so many times in his rather short life within the brothel. It was always horrible to see and so he simply zoned out.

But it didn't last long as Shen Jiu kicked his side, only for Wen Chunhua to bring Hua Lei closer to her side.

"He wasn't paying attention! How else am I supposed to get his attention?" 

"By touching his shoulders instead, you child! You don't deserve your new fancy title if you aren't even able to understand a child. Suprise! You have to teach kids."

He signed to point to the Shen Jiu, before placing one hand near his mouth and pointing to himself. With both hands open, palms up, slightly shaking. He made a thumb gesture over the shoulder although it looked as if he was pointing to Wen Chunhua, but he hoped someone would…

But they don't speak Sign language? They don't know he's trying to understand what they said. Now they are looking at him strangely.

"What? What are you saying, whore?!" Shen Jiu marched closer as he held the bottom of his chin with a firm grin whilst Hua Lei looked into his eyes to try show his confusion only for Shen Jiu to scoff.

Nevermind. Shen Jiu wasn't one to understand things, Hua Lei accepted that.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei saw how Wen Chunhua wanted to be left alone after Shen Jiu stormed out, and he obliged.

Shen Jiu had left once he realised that Hua Lei wouldn't speak and felt embarrassed -as indicated by his reddened ears and hesitancy to speak further- so left almost immediately after that event. Hua Lei did not really care much about it all as he walked back to his room to see an entire Shi had passed.

 He had no idea how long they were arguing but the walls were soundproof to avoid any disturbance at night, no one had come. It was both a curse and a gift for its uses when Hua Lei craved sleep so frequently and allowed the young boy to yell about the few books he red.

It was peculiar how few books Hua Lei would read on a monthly basis as it all was difficult with his schedule and he had to drop a few morals so that he could read anything other than what he already had in his past lives.

Hua Lei barely even reached his door when a swift hand came and pulled him back. He expected it to be a 'man in need' and prepared a punch, only to see… Tianlang-Jun?! What on earth?

"Ha! I knew a Hul-" Hua Lei stood tall as he pressed his hand over the man, who he could see eye to eye with his shoulders, making him feel rather small. Two other people arrived, who he recognised as Xizhi-lang and Su Xiyan.

He sighed as he released the demon lord and opened his door, gesturing for them all to enter, which they did. Tianlang-Jun came in first with a childish attitude, then Su Xiyan, who glared at her lover, and finally, Xizhi-lang looked rather timid as he came in and stood a further distance from everyone. Too bad that Hua Lei wouldn't let him.

Hua Lei walked closer to Xizhi-lang and wrapped his arms around the snakes shoulders whilst releasing his tails and ears, letting his tail slowly wag in affection towards his old friend. Xizhi-lang clearly didn't understand where to put his hands as he could feel their absence as if it was tangent.

"I felt that there was a Huli Jing present, and it seems like the thing likes my nephew. My name is Tianlang-Jun, this is my lover, Su Xiyan. And my nephew you're embracing is called Zhushi-lang, the general of the demon empire." Tianlang-Jun was loud. He just wanted his friend.

Hua Lei began to hiss to Xizhi-lang. 'ꫝꫀꪶꪶꪮ, ᥊꠸ƺꫝ꠸-ꪶꪖꪀᧁ.' 

Xizhi-lang gasped before whispering: "That's… not how this Huli Jing should say my name, it's pronounced Zhushi-lang, …not Xizhi-lang." He said those words as if they were questions.

Hua Lei huffed. '꠸ ᛕꪀꪮ᭙, ꠸ꪻ'ᦓ ꪖ ꪀ꠸ᥴᛕꪀꪖꪑꫀ.' Hua Lei heard another nervous hiss on Xizhi-lang's tongue, which made the young Huli Jing giggle.

"… I have no Idea what is going on, but you two seem close." Tianlang-Jun spoke and broke the calm moment he was having with his dear friend who had died all the other times he had even attempted to live. He gave a displeased look to the Heavenly Demon.

"Forgive us, great Huli Jing. My lover is a foolish man, please spare us if you can-"

"Hua Lei. Is my name… and I won't hard anyone close to Xizhi-lang." He… spoke. It was a convenience to speak… and she would be dead in a couple years, so it didn't truly matter. He had to channel his Qi to his throat to heal it before he could speak but he required no more healing -he smiled at the power he had been shown in that moment. He required no further help with his voice despite this being the first time.

But… it hurt. Not physically. Mentally. He recalled how nothing good came with speaking and that feeling that consumed him last time broke free again. The rotten edges in his chest crept deeper and he clutched his chest in the agony that had erupted once more from the young Huli Jing's being.

He fell to the ground in agony. He heard his name called and tried to focus on that. "What happened, Hua Lei? Are you alright?" Xizhi-lang's voice called and he crawled into the figure beside him, those arms finally around him in an attempt to assure he was alive.

"꠸… ᦔ꠸ᦓꪶ꠸ᛕꫀ ᦓρꫀꪖᛕ꠸ꪀᧁ ꠸ꪑꪑꫀꪀᦓꫀꪶꪗ.' He hissed and Xizhi-lang whispered apologies for his ignorance. It was constant, but once again proved his existence. He missed his friend.

"What happened?" Tianlang-Jun called as he always did, like someone who didn't understand basic things. "He doesn't like to speak. We pushed him too far."

"Apologies. I did not realise." Su Xiyan called in a monotone voice as she looked down at him and patted his head. Surprisingly, it worked. His breathing slowed as he clutched his friend tightly as if he was not even able to separate for a moment.

Yet, he slowly backed away as he stood back up and bowed to the family that stood before him, all looking otherworldly, and that didn't mean they were beautiful. Well, they were, but it was clear that the two demons certainly weren't human and Su Xiyan was rather strange looking compared to most women in this world who were meant to fit fetishes, but she was created before the world got detailed by fan-service.

He smiled as he looked at them. But what Hua Lei didn't know was how pitiful he looked with his ears drooped but a smile there, Xizhi-lang wanted to help this strangely informal Huli Jing, but was unsure how to. 

"ꪗꪮꪊ ᥴꪖꪀ ᦓꫀꫀ ꪑꫀ ꠸ꪀ ꪖꪊꪻꪊꪑꪀ, ꪻꫝꪖꪻ'ᦓ ᭙ꫝꫀꪀ ꠸ ᦔꫀ᥇ꪊꪻ. ᭙ꫀ ᥴꪖꪀ ρ᥅ꪮρꫀ᥅ꪶꪗ ᥴꫝꪖꪻ ꪻꫝꫀꪀ." The young Huli Jing held Xizhi-lang's hands with such care that the snake instantly blushed. He didn't realise he was brought out by his uncle and Su Xiyan until his uncle laughed with all his might.

"So cute, but so strange. I suppose you'll want to see him again, won't you nephew."

Yes. Yes he would.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was far too difficult after such a situation.

The feeling remained as he buried his hards within themselves, fingernails too sharp to create crescent shapes and instead caused blood to slowly drip. There was nothing within him, but at the same time, there was too much.

The combination felt fatal as the young boy realised how inhuman he was. Hua Lei was not someone who could understand anything about the human life when he had barely lived his. He never even reached middle age as he died around twenty on both occasions.

 His second life wasn't his own to live, so he didn't consider that life separate to the face he died a few months after his and Luo Binghe had been married. It felt so strange to hear when Luo Binghe barely could be considered mature in any person experience he had.

He felt worthless as every single part of his body felt the need to run. He needed to move, but that ache left him unable to do so, despite causing that urge to form for the small inhuman boy. He hated it all.

He hated speaking. He didn't know why he did such a stupid thing. He collapsed in front of Xizhi-lang. He couldn't even act normal for a moment, what would happen when the original plot occured? Would he just die? Probably, if that was how he reacted.

Hua Lei saw a sash on his bed and a thought came as he stripped to his inner robes. It was late enough that no one would come to see him, no matter if he missed lunch. They would barely remember his existence if they had to.

Hua Lei tied the sash around his ribcage. It was one loop, then two, then he pulled. The sudden sensation seemed to pull the hatred out of himself as instead, pain taught him how to act. He tied it whilst adjusting it every few seconds so as not to loosen it.

Hua Lei smiled at the sensation. He felt it when he was not breathing and even more so when he was breathing. It was a comfort that burned to the point in which he forgot his troubles… okay, that was a lie -he felt it, although not by much deeper, it allowed his mind to focus if not for a moment as everything felt enhanced.

He didn't do this for any other reason other than a punishment to himself. What he did was so useless. So astray from his usual behaviour that everyone bordered on trespassing to a dangerous point in which a part of him feared lashing out.

"Hua Lei, the butterfly is still there." …A-die?

Hua Lei slowly turned around to see his A-die. The man looked horrified and suddenly the distraction didn't work as the feeling replaced all that pain. Everything was too much as he remained still.

He saw his A-die undo the sash as his robes fell open to reveal his torso where two red lines were, but those lines were not the scars that he once wore so frequently despite being hidden -people were ignorant to the point of malice.

Hua Lei did not acknowledge how much time had passed as the fox had been lost in thought, but it couldn't be more than a few minutes -those lines were bright red and bordered on a sign of danger towards himself.

Hua Lei felt the red lines and felt where the stitching had dug in further than the rest, it felt comforting to feel yet it hurt something mental within him as he sighed, able to freely have a deep breath.

"Lei-er… are you-" 

'I am fine, A-die. It was just to distract myself, it's not like I hate myself, or want to change myself." He communicated through the array that felt a bit foggy on his side.

"But, it's not okay to do that to yourself..." A-die came closer to the bed and tried holding Hua Lei's hands.

'It's better than being out my sword instead, much better, I would say. It's not a permanent method and allows healing to act within an incense time -if even that!'

A-die hesitated before sitting on the bed and then pulling Hua Lei into a hug. It was not like he needed it or even desired it, but it was pleasurable enough that Hua Lei let himself cry.

Who is he kidding?

It hurt. He spoke, but it felt unearned. No one truly desired to do anything separate from caring for themselves whilst parents are forced to care. But why does that forced love feel so real right now?

Tears flooded all he could see into a blurring mess, but he tried not to make a sound. Sniffing instead of yelling his sorrows. It would do no good if he did anything else. There was nothing worse than being loud and annoying.

A-die was just there, rubbing circles on his back instead of speaking further -a small comfort.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei fell asleep with his A-die just making sure he was comfortable.

The next day, Hua Lei awoke to find his A-die gone. The morning rays of gold cascaded through the window, bathing the world in a misplaced comfort that felt almost too bright for his heavy heart. He took a moment to breathe as he got up from bed, the warm air still felt so painful for someone who craved nothing more than silence in the early hours of day. 

The world outside was awakening once more, filled with the sounds of people opening their shops and children there, as if they would not have any learning to come on that day, yet he felt isolated within his own thoughts of the day before.

Hua Lei noticed a butterfly that simply sat stitched on the outside of the privacy screen, its colorful wings a beauty in stillness, and he couldn’t help but return his smile towards it, even if it was fleeting. Yet, if he were truly honest with himself, he knew that the smile he wore was lacking sincerity; it was more of a sign for his A-die not to worry about his child who would be observed more from now on. 

Hua Lei looked past the butterfly, letting his eyes relax as he dropped that commonly false smile, exhaling a long sigh that seemed to carry the weight of his unspoken thoughts of rest. After a moment of introspection, he changed into a robe that had only one embroidered area -a snake coiling gracefully around a blossoming flower that he could not identify for someone reason, it was probably made up for him not to recognise.

Hua Lei actually smiled at that. The snake looked a bit like Xizhi-lang, and he hoped his friend would not die this time, that his past life would not repeat itself in another cycle of sorrow. He walked out of his room but this time did not stare into nothingness as he sat in the corner beside his door, instead placing a bored look on his face to appear more normal. 

A few curious gazes that felt more frequent than in the past glanced on him from the other Courtesans of the warm red pavillion, but he simply smiled at those who passed, trying to blend into the hierarchy built socially as he would soon join them as an official entertainer.

A few courtesans giggled as they walked past, and while their laughter rang in the air, it didn't seem like there was any malice hidden beneath their few expressions. Hua Lei paid it no more mind while waiting for Wen Chunhua to arrive and bring him to her room instead of letting him sit forlornly on the floor like an afterthought. 

Instead, Zheng Meili appeared, her presence a whirlwind of energy as she grabbed him with both arms, pulling him to his feet and then rushing off, giggling that she had him this time.

 She declared that Wen Chunhua had hogged Hua Lei as a student for far too many months and it was her turn, her playful tone lightening his mind that focused on the world far too frequently for even his own liking.

Hua Lei accepted her enthusiastic hand and even let himself giggle in return. Zheng Meili was rather silly in a way that Hua Lei never saw from Wen Chunhua -who was always so refined and proper, carrying herself with an elegance that felt almost boring despite the warmth she radiated.

 In contrast, Zheng Meili was a steel flower, vibrant and sturdy, unafraid to stand tall and remain unchanged throughout it all of her interactions with Hua Lei compared to the delicate petals of Wen Chunhua that would commonly fall into a deep rage.

She brought Hua Lei to her room, her bright smile infectious. Once inside, she sat down and patted the seat perpendicular to her own, inviting him to join her. A tray of tea was prepared on the low table between them, the steam rising in gentle curls that Hua Lei wanted to watch for quite a while and not desire any further. 

The sight was inviting, and for a moment, Hua Lei allowed himself to forget the heaviness that lingered at the back of his mind, focusing instead on the simple joy of this shared moment. He never was one to not see things -at least from what he acknowledged.

"Wen Chunhua was busy with her cousin, so it's just us two. I suppose this Zheng Meili should teach you about appearances, since I'm the best at it out of all."

Hua Lei tilted her head as Zheng Meili smirked with true villain appearances.

Chapter Text

Zheng Meili was a woman painted in hatred underneath it all.

She had an intense hatred for working at a brothel, a place where she felt trapped and objectified constantly, selling herself to men who only saw her as a thing to possess. It was a dehumanizing experience that left her wishing for the death of all those men that dared touch her.

Why is it that men desire so much when the other party always seeks nothing more than escape from the interaction? It was a bitter irony that while she was reduced to a mere commodity, and children around her were so easily molded and shaped by the world’s expectations.

 They were bright, impressionable beings, filled with potential and dreams, yet here she was, reduced to a shell of her former intelligent self, trapped in a cycle of childish behaviour. This stark contrast between the innocence of childhood and the brutal realities of adulthood consumed her very being with a deep despair.

Hua Lei was a reflection of that since Zheng Meili saw that look in his eye that looked far older than his years but hidden behind an imitation of peaceful behaviour but Zheng Meili was not a naive child like Wen Chunhua, who was raised as a noble woman.

Zheng Meili did not blame her idiocy but she was a massively simple woman who was unable to even hide her lover from another. She just had to be careful who found out as men didn't enjoy the thought of not even a whore wanting to sleep with them and instead liked a completely different gender.

This child was not like a normal man due to that mind of his that he so clearly displayed through a corner of his eye. But I'm this profession, one could not accept to just be obedient, there was a reason she was the most favoured whore for customers, though she didn't like to infantalize herself.

It was a clever strategy Zheng Meili devised to find herself out of debt to the madam and ultimately buy her freedom from the contract that had her for so very long. However, with her newfound success and increasing popularity among the clientele, her price became significantly more expensive, making her escape seem even more distant.

Yet as part of her new status, she began receiving jewelry, many of which pieces that sparkled with wealth s. Yet, in an unconventional twist, she chose to wear these jewels incorrectly, deliberately allowing them to dangle or hang awkwardly. 

This little act of rebellion served another purpose: it not only highlighted her childish charm but also provided her with the opportunity to make the men in her presence look at her and let their hearts flutter. As they leaned in to fix the jewelry, she would gaze deeply into their eyes, creating a look that caught attention.

"You must disguise your past better. I say to act younger if you want to win in this profession. Acting obedient and calm will only get you so far with the men that are shameless enough to come to this brothel."

Hua Lei looked at her with an eye that relaxed… she didn't realise how tense he was. His preserved peach blossom eyes were actually lychee eyes. Large and round. Fitting to a childish look she so such desired and Zheng Meili could smile at that, but she refused to when there was work to be done.

"Those eyes suit the ideal character better, you should be more relaxed and act sweeter. I don't see see you unable to speak as a challenge but as a preserved weakness you can abuse." 

Hua Lei was left agape but then smiled in response with a more childish grin and Zheng Meili was only fueled further into the hopes that he could be different and put men in their place while being supposedly weaker than them. To humiliate was the goal.

Zheng Meili stood up and gestured for Hua Lei do the same. His posture was fine as he stood tall with his hands together in front of him and staring with those cute eyes looking at his Zheng-Jie. His better teacher.

"You should look up through those long eyelashes of yours and try to look as cute as possible." Hua Lei did as told. He twirled a section of his hair while looking young and naive to the world. Obedient to what can be taught from who he was looking at.

"Good." Hua Lei was a quick learner and acted is if all she desired was to be the childish figure then Zheng Meili desired for the boy. He was her new student that seemed to learn immediately and could probably act as such, so long as she could slowly shift his attitude over time instead of immediate.

Hua Lei rushed to a piece of paper and ink to write something. 'will you teach me everyday?' was written and Zheng Meili smiled and laughed before nodding at the strange boy who also desired to succeed -it seems.

The boy smiled as he tilted his head, a seemingly common action for him to do from her limited interactions with him.

Chapter Text

A few more clients had come than usual.

All the regulars came at once and a few new people joined the celebration of a new flower debuting. The lotus flower of the warm red pavillion. Within the building were all the other flowers greeting guests and bringing both food and wine. Some played their instruments whilst others danced, yet all actions were born with the utmost grace and care.

At the centre of it all, was a graceful flower that looked exotic compared to the rest. The courtesean wore his hair long with a plait with a thick area surrounding the plait and two long sections dropping around his front, allowing for the gradient to orange contrast into the streak of black before a full orange at the end to take the full attention -or at least it would if there weren't so many accessories.

The boy wore a lower crown -decorated by lilac and pink flowers- across his head with a tassel pin of a lotus where a butterfly perched upon itself was placed along with draping jewellery beads so that it could be a reminder of his presence due to not speaking.

A few clients were disappointed by the fact the Courtesan could not speak, but there were only a few. In fact, it had been a while since the majority was so greatly agreeable on one factor -especially concerning a Courtesean- and allowed for there to whispers to catch the boys attention..

 The boy wore a A layered skirt with panels of soft, sheer fabrics in peach, pink, teal, and cream of which the layers were asymmetrical and flowing freely with his movements whilst some pieces were pinned or belted at the waist with delicate additions. 

There was a beaded chains decorating the waist and torso of the Courtesan with a sash coordinating with the top. The robes were born from light, semi-transparent fabrics for a whimsical, graceful effect yet layered just enough to tease the audience.

Not to mention his face. The boy had a youthful complexion that was pale but with a blush upon his cheeks and red eyeliner painted to draw attention to his golden eyes. He wore lychee eyes that only enhanced his childlike aura as he smiled without care yet looked shy at the same time. 

He was as sweet as a Lotus seed paste mooncakes commonly enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, that happened to occur on the very same day as then whilst also being the birthday of that very Courtesean who was debuting that day. It was a coincidence that only served to enhance his celebration.

Stranger. The customers saw how two of the most favoured flowers surrounded him with an air of protection that only served to make the boy more desirable than shown before as he was made more young and naive -able to be moulded to their desires. He was nothing short of the perfect Courtesean.

As the night drew on, more men came -especially as rain poured heavy. Even more tried to win favour of the silent Courtesean, and yet only two seemed to catch his attention. One was a group of three with a man who laughed well and possessed a confidence greater than the building, a woman who corrected the behaviour. 

And a young boy who found himself being served frequently by that Courtesean yet saw no suprise as he smiled like an old friend. He found himself in a good and in the dimmist area of the establishment.

The boy was served by no other and he would look shy and bashful as the courtesean drew closer until he could lean in and let his eyelashes flutter upon that face, only for a squeak to be heard and draw laughter from quite a few, including the Courtesean.

The other was a man who looked to be in his thirties, but spoke through hands that no other could understand, but the Courtesan instantly straightened up as he approached. The man signed words yet his hands would sometimes stop to linger; the Courtesan did not reject the advances but kept signing.

And then there was Shen Jiu. He sat in the back where the other Courtesans would travel to break from the stares not even directed at them. With no work they could come in that day, they turned to the boy who was glaring at the new Courtesan like he killed his family.

They sighed as there was another person who would barely glance at them, but Shen Jiu still made sure to pay them extra for getting them food. So, they stayed and watched the suitors of the boy attempt to make advances through touch, yet only one succeeded whilst also signing random words.

They did not understand so just watched his expressions. Few interacted with him out of an acute concern as to how to communicate but on occasion, he would be given paper and ink to write by either Wen Chunhua or Zheng Meili.

Shen Jiu personally wanted to sleep as many were allowed to freely enjoy themselves and he desired to sleep whilst entertained by women whilst Hua Lei was distracted, only to find all aiding him in his debut. Worst of all was he saw his Shidis and Shixongs (and a few Shijies) within.

And soon the main entertainment would arrive through Hua Lei dancing -hopefully better than his first attempt that Shen Jiu saw. People hushed like dogs waiting for food as Hua Lei walked onto the elevated stage, the fabrics flowing around his every movement before his bow, as he could not greet everyone.

Instead the madam introduced him officially and greeted everyone. "Hello all, today is a special day for three reasons- two of them being special specifically for the new lotus, Hua Lei. Our flower has finally bloomed. It is the day he debuts and is the day in which he is a year older and we can only thank his ancestors for our flower."

It was a corny speech, and she soon left Hua Lei to continue where he finally lifted his head and breathed before beginning. 

Hands moved in a constant push and pull against eachother to move with weight and carried grace whilst his legs adjusted to carry the delicate balance of the dance in accordance to the dance bestowed by the Courtesan's who specialised in music.

Twirls and spins were accentuated by his robes whilst all of it became a blur of colour absorbed by the movement. It was a far cry from the dance first seen by Shen Jiu. It was art visible before him as he saw it all transform into grace like a flower blooming under rainfall that was beating outside the enterance that Shen Jiu could still hear.

Too bad, all of it was wasted on this boy, whom Shen Jiu hated.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei had been purchased for the night.

In all honesty, it was comparable to when Luo Binghe first began with him -sloppy movements and being borderline painful. The man who had purchased his night away had been the same man who was able to sign, so Hua Lei was happy he could probably communicate. Even if the man only wanted to touch him.

He was very much eager to run his hands over everything for his own pleasure rather than Hua Lei's, but it wasn't a massive suprise for the Huli Jing who still gained another tail. With now six tails, he felt much stronger and didn't mind the truth of his profession.

Hua Lei was glad that he disabled the spy butterfly with a note shown beforehand. He reactivated the butterfly before leaving to the side room for a bath; despite it being night and him being tired, Hua Lei did not want to be surrounded by the filth.

He let himself sink into the warmth of the bath whilst using his magic from his past life to clean up a few things and heal a few bruises given by the rough man who he didn't even know the name of.

He then fixed himself into only his inner robes that he had used a cleaning spell to fix before doing the same to his bed. Usually a servant would do everything, but Hua Lei had neither called for one nor needed one as he fixed everything to be as he liked it to be without their help.

Hua Lei was far too tired to deal with manual cleaning and honestly wished to simply fade into slumber before he would have to wake up tomorrow to find Shen Jiu still there -disciples would have an excuse for if they had missed the classes that day. Although apparently classes weren't that heavy and common.

When Hua Lei lived as Shen Qingqiu, the schedules weren't loose, but they weren't strict, and yet this was borderline non-existent. The Qing Jing Peak Lord must have changed things after his masters Ascension.

But Hua Lei didn't think about it further as he fell into his soft clean sheets and began to fall into the rest he desired so strongly.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

The next day was too bright. Hua Lei still felt tired as he began to rise. And he only had risen once Wen Chunhua had woken him up with the stern voice he had grown far too used to.

"Now, you still have duties to fulfill. Since you're officially one of the flowers, a few more Courtesans want to be your friend! You have a long day. …Doesn't this room look better compared to all others? Nevermind."

Wen Chunhua pulled him to his feet as he made a noise of disagreement.

"Come on, a lotus is a flower that rises from mud, you have to rise from that bed of yours. A lotus is simply another form of a water lily and this Jiejie will have no child benefit like that."

Lotuses and water lilies do share some similarities in appearance, but there are differences. The biggest difference is in the way the plants grow. Water lilies tend to float above the surface of the water. 

Lotuses, on the other hand, submerge their roots in mud at the bottom of the lake or pond, while their stems, leaves and flowers emerge from beneath the water.

Hua Lei still lived in the mud. Still lived in reality. He was born into a noble family, the same as Wen Chunhua, but he wasn't naive or shallow like her. He was raised to be a helpful soul and do what he must.

But he was changed by the woman who chose a lotus robe that Hua Lei had been given by her Baba last morning. She spoke that it had a great material, but deserved to be less plain. 

Hua Lei inwardly sighed at the remark that had unintentionally spoken against the simple desires of his Baba and how modesty was important, yet he had no paper to write upon.

Hua Lei appreciated how the stitching of the lotus contained the same shade of pink as the rest of the silk robes. The inner robes for the design held a deeper pink that had leaves embroidered in for an extra detail that made Hua Lei smile in response.

Hua Lei didn't have a moment to rest as Wen Chunhua stomped her way to the ground floor where Courteseans were supposed to greet guests , but ended up just gossiping or speaking freely with one and other about either lovers or stories.

Hua Lei didn't care for any of it as he began to look at the door. He couldn't even bring any gossip to the table -both because he couldn't speak, and because he knew nothing- it was pointless to entertain others with no value of depth.

But, then he saw Xizhi-lang coming through the corner with what looked to be a bit of money. The snake straightened up as he saw Hua Lei and the two equally met at the middle.

"My… my uncle and Su Xiyan said to come here and not bother them. I handle all the finances, so I brought some money for young master's time, Hua Lei."

Hua Lei smiled brightly as he brought him to pay before dragging the snake to his room.

Chapter Text

Zhushi-lang was not one for friends.

He barely had anyone he could truly trust. As the general of his uncle's army, he could not afford to sacrifice any details regarding his plans. Zhushi-lang was someone who had to assist his uncle with nearly every aspect of both military strategy and daily tasks.  

The snake was a creature who concern himself with the matters of trivialities. He was an isolated soul, with no one to turn to in times of uncertainty. And then there was this fox, Hua Lei. The Huli Jing was rather peculiar in a way that Zhushi-lang found difficult to comprehend fully.

Surprisingly, Hua Lei had become someone he could slightly trust, despite the fact that the two had only just met. The fox displayed expressions of emotions and vulnerabilities that could only occur when a Huli Jing allowed themselves to fully let one's guard down. He exhibited all the signs of trustworthiness, even though the demons were far too separate.

Zhushi-lang didn’t mind this friendship; however, it felt a little strange the two times they had interacted. Hua Lei acted like a friend who had always been present in his life, wagging his tails playfully while they shared hugs. Few could bear witness to the emotions of the species and be alive, due to the pride of the species.

Now, Zhushi-lang found himself in a familiar situation once more. He had been given another chance to spend some time with the Huli Jing, Hua Lei. He felt a mix of gratitude and reluctance, glad for the opportunity to forge a bond, even as he rarely went without with the desire to remain by his uncle's side -the prospect of trusting someone, even a little, was both a little alien.

Hua Lei sat on his bed, and patted to the left of himself. Zhushi-lang kept all unsavoury thoughts out of his mind -at least as much as he could- as he found his place beside the Courtesan.

'ꫝꫀꪶꪶꪮ, ꫝꪮ᭙ ꫝꪖꪜꫀ ꪗꪮꪊ ᥇ꫀꫀꪀ ᥊꠸ƺꫝ꠸-ꪶꪖꪀᧁ?' the Huli Jing asked with a simple smile on his face. A smile that never shifted, no matter how long had passed, that smile was permanently carved into his pretty face.

"I've been well. And you, master Hua?" Zhushi-lang tried to replicate how he had been taught to in relation to politics for the demonic nations. A Huli Jing was a political thing that was useful to own. If one possessed it, you could have a spy that could seduce all enemies whilst being a powerful species.

'ꪀꪮ᭙, ꪀꪮ᭙. ᦔꪮꪀ'ꪻ ᥴꪖꪶꪶ ꪑꫀ ꪻꫝꪖꪻ, ᦔꫀꪖ᥅.' Hua Lei responded with a tone that felt rather… teasing? Zhushi-lang wasn't one to fall deep into desires, but this Huli Jing was one to cause others to fall into desires of last night was anything to base things off.

Zhushi-lang didn't know how to respond and so simply kept silent as Hua Lei descended into giggles as he got closer and rested on Zhushi-lang's shoulders as he slowly stopped to whisper more words that would cause nothing good.

'ꪖ᥅ꫀ ꪗꪮꪊ ᦓꪊ᥅ꫀ ꪗꪮꪊ'᥅ꫀ ꪖꪶ᥅꠸ᧁꫝꪻ? ꪗꪮꪊ᥅ ꪖᥴꪻ꠸ꪀᧁ ꪀꫀ᥅ꪜꪮꪊᦓ?' Hua Lei asked and Zhushi-lang fell into himself with nerves that Hua Lei had just called out. But he felt as Hua Lei attempted to relax but there was something that Zhushi-lang could understand to be an ache in the bones that would remain.

Zhushi-lang didn't know what to do. He wasn't educated on the subject at all. He simply was there and trying to help through bringing the Huli Jing closer and hugging him. The fox brought his hood off to examine the snake.

He felt a bit sensitive to the light in the room, but it did not fall directly on him and so he simply bore the weight of both the light and the fox's eyes. He held Zhushi-lang's face as he examined the scales that remained planted on his face.

The green scales were nothing great in relation to the other snake Demons that he commanded, all so much greater than his pathetic form. Those mighty serpents, with their shimmering, iridescent scales that reflected the light in a dazzling array of colors, put him to shame. Under Hua Lei's grasp, he felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability when he looked up, his heart racing as he tried to maintain his limitedly taught composure.

That once playful smile was gone, replaced with a cold expression as he squinted to examine every minute detail of Zhushi-lang's face. His eyes, once filled with mischief, now bore the weight of judgment and disdain.

 Any warmth that had previously existed was stripped away, leaving behind the true talent of the Huli Jing species to control another's emotions -a commonly unknown fact that was usually used for romantic or sexual thoughts but could be much wider. 

The air between them crackled with tension. The looming presence of Hua Lei made it abundantly clear that he held any control, and that realization only furthered his discomfort, filling.

And then, Hua Lei stopped suddenly. He put his hand to his lips then lowered it. The action bore some relation to blowing a kiss, but Zhushi-lang didn't think it was supposed to be interpreted like that.

Hua Lei sat a bit further as he smiled much brighter and tilted his head so that his longer sides to his fringe seemed to cut his face in half, but it reminded the Snake demon of how he had just seen the two sides of the boy.

Boy…? It felt a bit strange that someone so young could be able to look like that. Zhushi-lang let himself breathe as he relaxed his features. "I want to learn that hand language, if you could teach me?"

Hua Lei's face brightened.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu didn't like Hua Lei.

The boy was strange and only grew more childish over time, but that was no better. A man pretending to be a boy was disgusting. He was fifteen whilst Shen Jiu was two years older and able to avoid Hua Lei more than he could originally, but he couldn't like Wen Chunhua like he once did.

It was a worthy sacrifice to get rid of the boy that for some reason always had to be around the head disciple of Qing Jing like he was not trustworthy and had to be guarded like a dog about to steal. Shen Jiu may be a criminal, but he was no thief.

Shen Jiu only wanted to sleep whilst everything continued to pass by him. Yet, he had to return soon enough to the peak he longed to escape from for longer. He was just leaving when he saw Hua Lei escorting someone to the door.

The figure was taller than both, but was still young and rather frail looking. Hua Lei had a brighter smile than Shen Jiu had seen, that simple smile looked as if it never existed in comparison.

Hua Lei waved the boy off as he approached the now alone boy to find that the small boy had realised Shen Jiu was near and turn to him without any smile. The face was blank, to the point that Shen Jiu felt as if it was blurred before looking closely to find that 'pretty face' replaced.

Shen Jiu wondered if it was a trick of the lights but could feel his face scrunch in confusion. " You're so weird, you know that?"

Shen Jiu didn't know what he was expecting, but he grew annoyed as that smile once again returned and Shen Jiu attempted to push Hua Lei. And yet, the Courtesan ducked and adjusted his legs to hit his own, causing Shen Jiu to trip.

Hua Lei giggled as he lent his hand out for Shen Jiu. Malice behind damned. Shen Jiu wanted to fight him, but he could never hurt the merchandise without punishment from the madam.

Shen Jiu sighed as he glared at the hand before him and then looking up. That face looked a bit spiteful from this perspective, but Hua Lei wouldn't know due to his height being so short for a boy, and few women would visit the brothel.

Shen Jiu stood up by himself and looked outside to see the client Hua Lei was with just… standing there on the other side of the street where the man was just watching before two others joined him, and only then did he look away.

Hua Lei was just looking at Shen Jiu before turning on his heel to walk to the stairs. Shen Jiu debated teasing the boy for having to serve men, but found nothing of use to him as he would have to return to Qing Jing Peak.

The feeling of hatred grew stronger until he had to force himself to blink. He walked out and just looked at his feet instead of looking at this world that held nothing good, even something mediocre was rare. 

Sunshine was far too annoying if you had to look up or just not look at the floor like a good for nothing, homeless person, and rain was worse as it would hit you without remorse and instead pour like it wasn't able to do anything other anger Shen Jiu.

There could be nothing good.

Shen Jiu hated everything and if course, even his safe space of the warm red pavillion, men had invaded and polluted the space, altering the perspectives of women such as Wen Chunhua, who in turn spoke to the other women about his terrible behaviour.

Shen Jiu just wanted something. Why was life so shit that no one could care for Shen Jiu. Hua Lei had to be there. Hua Lei had to be the one he was responsible for. Why hadn't anyone killed him yet? Please.

He would pay anyone who would kill Hua Lei, no questions asked!

Shen Jiu knew he would have to return tomorrow, or these thoughts would only spiral more and he could break Infront of Shizun. That would be the worst possible thing. Imagine, Shizun would think him weak.

Shen Jiu felt his body heavy as he found himself once again in the bamboo forest. And there again was Liu Qingge. "You were at a brothel? Scum. Have you no shame, or are you just so shameless that you get off of it?"

Shen Jiu wasn't in the mood. He threw a punch at the next Bai Zhan Peak Lord. He wasn't deserving of the title at all, he should just leave the peak instead of trying to ruin everything.

Liu Qingge returned the punch and kicked him in addition. The small fight created a brawl and an unfair one, at that, don't forget that Shen Jiu possessed no weapon. He had to scratch, bite kick.

And he won.

"Cheater! You bit me like a damn mutt." Liu Qingge called out like his words actually mattered to anyone separate from himself and his prescious ego.

"I have no sword to fight with. If anything, you're the cheater." Shen Jiu responded with his eyes pinpointed on the man who was Hua Lei's age and yet desperately needed lessons on how to not fucking die.

Liu Qingge looked at him as if he just realised that Shen Jiu possessed nothing separate from his bodily features. Liu Qingge threw his sword to the side and demanded another round, as if it mattered when Shen Jiu had already beaten him before that same day and he won.

Shen Jiu turned on his heel and left to go to his room. Not that he would be better there, in fact, he would be better after another fight where he would win and let the next Bai Zhan Peak Lord lose any resemblance of strength and leave the mountain.

Shen Jiu let himself fall into bed, but it was rather hard like a rock, he wasn't sure why he was complaining. It was the only kind of bed he had been on. A soft bed was for the weaker. Like Hua Lei.

Shen Jiu would never be weak, not to anything or anyone. He would be alone. He knew he would ascend with enemies and live forever with fights from everyone he could ever meet. He would probably be cast out from the heavenly emperor.

Shen Jiu sighed deeply as he thought of tomorrow, where he would no doubt have to interact with Hua Lei. He hoped that tomorrow, he would die, but he would never let himself die before his name was known by all, be it good or bad, his name must be known.

Shen Jiu looked up to see the embers of day fading into the darkness of night to hide from the moon that attempted to steal all light, but that light had been stolen by the same stars that bullied the moon and caused its self-absorption.

It was bothering everyone, separate from the creatures who did not know hate to exist. That is why they were animals, and humans were humans -Shen Jiu believed himself to be the most human of all with the hate that etched itself to carve his hate onto his bones.

He attempted to rest only to find his brain awake. He had class tomorrow, sleeping would be reported back to his Shizun and could cause something bad. There Is no single person who is safe for Shen Jiu. No one that he could trust enough to exist.

Shen Jiu thought of a song that Hua Lei played one year ago. He forgot most of the song but recalled the melody that was played by the young Courtesean. It didn't fix everything immediately, but it made him better able to stay still enough.

And soon, he faded into slumber.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu went down the mountain immediately after his lessons.

He walked much faster than he realised until he almost tripped on a rock, his steps were slow afterwards -with his head never straying from his feet. Shen Jiu's mind was consumed by both everything and nothing to give him a headache and caused distress.

Shen Jiu soon found himself at the warm red pavillion and carefully stepped inside. The air was filled with floral smells that would commonly cause Shen Jiu to relax and yet this felt all too much for his tired brain.

 Shen Jiu wasn't one for men, but he wanted to hear Hua Lei, he would be forced to be around him as well. There was no doubt about that. He could purchase Wen Chunhua's time for less and he would be included.

And he did that. It made sense for him to automatically see the two together with Wen Chunhua beside him. Strangely, they were in Hua Lei's room. It was a room that was far too decorated and only showed how spoiled the young Courtesean was. 

He was decorated in another pink robe with green adorning the sides and had the petals of a lotus created around the torso -the hanfu was more feminine in shape and style, but still looked great on that pretty boy who haunted everything like a spirit.

He had himself with that common smile but had his Pipa in hand. 'White snow in spring is what you want, but not what you get' was written in his eyes as he tilted his head and showed a grin for his deduction as Shen Jiu looked away.

And Hua Lei began to play another song of a similar title. The song was once again gentle and calm, its notes felt like a tranquil breeze despite being played by him. Wen Chunhua had nothing on her and was rather suprised but began singing her original stringed harmony, creating a contrasting tempo as she should but it felt a bit off key and so Shen Jiu only focused on Hua Lei's part on the song.

 However, Shen Jiu could not help but cast a glance at Hua Lei, his expression one of clear tranquility with hope for how he would sleep as he felt his . The instrument's enchanting melody felt …strange as he recalled who was playing the music.

It really was another song of deception.

But Wen Chunhua could stay long and left shortly to get her instrument despite being on the first floor due to being a favourite to look up at her from the balenster. 

Hua Lei continued to play but he felt himself drift asleep...

Slowly...

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Shen Jiu awoke to Hua Lei. He was brushing his fingers through Shen Jiu's hair. Shen Jiu sneered at him, but was too comfy to move an inch from the bed that he could sink into. The fact of it belonging to Hua Lei felt unfair.

It was the singular most comfortable thing that Shen Jiu had ever touched and it was already tainted by Hua Lei's meer presence before he could even enjoy the gift from heaven. None of the other many Courtesans had this kind of comfortable bed, they had simple beds that all possessed -as a way to cater to fit the majority whilst making no one truly happy in any way, shape or form.

Hua Lei smiled with a sigh hidden within as he got off the bed. The action seemed rather sudden, as if Hua Lei had detected something before even Shen Jiu…

"Hello, my precious Xiao-" Hua Lei slashed at the seemingly empty air only for a man to show up. Hua Lei couldn't know his name of Xiao-Jiu, couldn't he? But who the hell was this old man sprouting silver hair.

"My dear Xiao-Lei. I have found you yet again, didn't you miss me. You were always so silent, and you are even more so now; at least you made noise when I found you crying on your own floor. I am weak to your suffering. I want to see more."

The man spoke with obsession lacing his every word as he fell to his knees and began to beg the boy who had his face twisted into one of true hatred. His eyes were far too deep as the gold shifted more to Chalcopyrite, that would flakes easily. 

The shift of perfection to the easily destroyed things in front of him felt… wrong.

"K…-ill … kill your self." Hua Lei… spoke. He spoke real words.

"You… I am your true love, aren't I? You spoke for the first time in a while I'm guessing. Ahh… how perfect can you be, my love, my desire, my Hua Lei -could you be anymore perfect? No. Then you really would kill me. Then again, I wouldn't mind if you were the one to wrap your hands over my neck. You always were innocent, though. You couldn't kill me really, even if you weren't."

"Shut up, for once." Hua Lei held the man's hair before lifting him until they were eye to eye. Hua Lei's eyes were filled with rage whilst the man had eyes that held nothing except obsession and admiration.

Hua Lei let his hands curl over the man's neck, before letting his nails cut into the flesh. Blood resembling the deepest crimson spread like the roots of a lotus flower into the muddy water that was the man's filthy skin that became stained.

Hua Lei's nails dug deeper until Shen Jiu couldn't almost feel the warm corpse reaching his knuckles. Hua Lei finally relaxed his face before straining it again. He lowered his hand and let the body fall from his long fingers now stained in pink resembling the pink of his robes.

"You can speak? You killed him?" Shen Jiu asked. Hua Lei's hand rose to his own throat before a look of pure disgust as he opened his mouth but nothing came out. His eyes began to water but he refused to blink -causing red to spread.

He found paper but needed no ink as he wrote without it and instead used the blood dripping from his nails. 'yes, though I hate to do so. He's not dead.'

The second sentence didn't make sense until the corpse rose a few seconds later. The man? Spirit? It used its arms to wrap around Hua Lei's waist like nothing out of the ordinary occured at all, it was the strangest thing, but Shen Jiu was too shocked to speak.

"Your friend didn't know I was a God - a banished civil God, but I still posses my immortality. I'm disappointed my Xiao-Lei for not mentioning me."

"Leave. Him. Alone." Hua Lei spoke as he broke free and began to walk towards the man who was so close to having hearts in his eyes. 

"Fine. You satisfied me enough, but I will return." The man spoke as he left but made sure to look Hua Lei up and down for a moment too long before leaving.

Hua Lei returned to his side and looked deadly serious as he held a finger that was still painted pink to his lips to try promote the silence of the Qing Jing Peak disciple. Shen Jiu nodded.

Hua Lei smiled before climbing into his own bed and turned to fave away from Shen Jiu. Shen Jiu was shocked at the sudden proximity before remembering that this was his bed.

Shen Jiu… didn't know how to react through anything, but the small candles began to fade away in a sudden gust of wind despite there being no open windows.

Shen Jiu allowed himself to rest.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu wasn't sure how to feel.

He was lying in the bed that was so incredibly comfortable - much softer than anything he had been said to be deserving of, however, it was not nearly soft enough to ignore the desperate cries of someone in need, yet he did nothing at all. Was he truly so horrible that he chose to remain out of sight from the man who had broken into the room, and lurking in the shadows? 

Hua Lei had sharp nails that glinted ominously in the dim light. Shen Jiu had to stop and ponder how someone could play delicate Instruments with such nails that could easily pierce the tender flesh of one's neck. 

Hua Lei was one to watch, that much had to be known, but the aggression shown to the man had not once been placed upon Shen Jiu despite his well known disagreeable nature and petty words filled with spite and cruelty.

Shen Jiu couldn't understand a thing as he looked at Hua Lei's figure beside him. His hair was perfectly fallen like a waterfall falling from the mountains of Cang Qiong -he recalled the one that was on the healing peak of Qian Cao, it was meant to be healing to hear and rest beneath the crashing pressure to strengthen one's core.

Shen Jiu heard Hua Lei turn around and saw the look of pure sorrow cast upon his features. The boy came closer and hugged him. It felt odd as he couldn't understand what to do, but it felt… like he wasn't a man -he knew he usually addressed the boy as a boy, but it felt as if he was someone who was unable to grow into a man.

Shen Jiu still didn't like Hua Lei, he just didn't hate him. Women could be as hurtful as men and cause as many terrible things to be poured on one person to bear the cost of their actions for their entire life.

Just because one was not a man, does not mean they deserve eternal kindness. Just because one has experienced hardship and trauma, does not mean they are unable to commit unforgivable sins.

They are simply excuses.

Shen Jiu knew he was as horrible as he was called. He knew everything he did was morally wrong and should be treated as such, he did not hate those who hated him as he would hate everyone...

He hated everyone, but only because they were too much. There was no forgiving those who caused grievances for no reason and especially to gang up on a singular person, no matter how horrible and vile are. So long as they do not seek out physical fights, it does not matter in the slightest.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu returned to the Qing Jing.

He went as soon as the sun went up and yet, Hua Lei still woke up before him and was already gone when he had woken up and sounded like he was in the bath in the side room. Shen Jiu found no reason to stay and so left immediately.

There was a feeling of loss as he left that comfortable bed -Shen Jiu knew that there would be a difficult, strange couple of days in which Shen Jiu would find it hard to sleep- even if it had only been for a day, that bed had ruined him.

Shen Jiu disliked the walk up towards the mountain as it always was strenuous for the malnourished boy. Qing Jing served the best food he had ever eaten but found that food with spices or special flavourings made him ill and he did not desire to ever found be like that again.

His Shixongs and Shijies had to carry him to his bed and Shizun excused him from his own lessons. It was humiliating -to say the least. He never ate seasoned food again and it wasn't like he was missing anything after a few weeks, he grew even skinnier in that time and Shen Jiu struggled from the absence of that one break in regularity.

Shen Jiu knew there would be a repeat of that and so would not even attempt to sleep until he was barely holding on to a thread for those weeks despite his life without that one thing, he felt the urge just to return to the comfort that was so rarely given.

"Head Disciple Shen Jiu, you may be given your sword today." Shen Jiu's Shizun spoke with her ever calm voice and manner free from the mortal world.

Shen Jiu bowed before her and nodded once he rose, to which she immediately began to move to leave the peak of Qing Jing (She always was a sudden woman whom one could never trust).

The two walked to Wan Jian peak. Wan Jian Peak has a rock wall where disciples pull their spiritual blades from and all one had to do was jump into a dark cave and follow the spiritual flow from the disciples to their destined sword given by the heavens.

Shen Jiu found the walk rather fast but he may as well have been dreaming about the bed. Yet, the young boy cleared his mind of worldly desires, the same as his Shizun always did, so that he may attract the best sword for his true desire. Power. Respect. A name that had nothing bad meant between it.

He a d his Shizun stopped in front of the cave where Shen Jiu let himself go in front of his Shizun when she stopped. The cave grew dark quickly. Soon enough, he was encased in that pure unfiltered darkness.

Shen Jiu attempted to close his ideas and use his Qi -no matter how muddy that stems from his medians were- just as was instructed in on of the many books from Qing Jing Peak's library. He felt nothing.

…Until he felt something.

It was a clear path that contrasted his own Qi. It was bright and quiet like a drop of water falling onto a still pond and felt like something he desired but at the moment, he found himself with feelings of uncertainty and inadequacy to posses such a clean weapon he would only sully with his hands.

Yet he continued his path. Eyes closed and following the stream, he found something of a white light when he found the place. Shen Jiu opened his eyes to see the light from the blade gone, and yet it was clear the sword belonged to him and him alone.

Shen Jiu brought the sword to his Shizun, who took it in hand and first made it yet mission to look at the name inscribed on the weapon. "Xiu ya, elegant and refined. We'll see if this proves to be true, Head disciple Shen."

And with that, Shizun left. She did not wait for Shen Jiu as she walked back towards her peak. Shen Jiu found himself walking towards the brothel and on the way, he saw the head disciple of Qian Cao and Wan Jian sitting close together as they glanced towards Shen Jiu, but the gaze did not lift from either.

Shen Jiu looked away first as he left Cang Qiong mountain without remorse so that he may go to the brothel. And he reached the space by the days end, where gold painted everything.

In the entry way was Hua Lei, who was serving to be the sweet treat dangling to entice men, and he was doing a good job at it, like always. Although, instead of wearing pink, like he usually did, he wore blue.

Shades of blue were mixed into the ribbons that made the robes, it seemed as if there were no robes separate from the ribbons adorning everything. There, surrounding his waist were chains with beads to highlight the small size.

The boy even wore ribbons in his hair to add to his childish look, but they looked… nice. He always looked androgynous and Shen Jiu supposed that was a part of the appeal.

Shen Jiu approached slowly and when Hua Lei noticed him, the Courtesan immediately sped off -Shen Jiu wouldn't call it running but it was faster than an average pace of walking.

Shen Jiu walked inside to see Hua Lei stuck from Zheng Meili speaking to him, the same boy looking over his shoulders with anxiety. Zheng Meili whispered something to him and he looked away before nodding.

"Oh! A-Jiu, how are you? Is that a new sword?" Zheng Meili was a kind woman who sadly only understood how to keep others in conversations and being sweet throughout the conversation to make you feel sorry for needing to leave it.

Shen Jiu couldn't tell if the woman was smart or really childish.

"I'm fine, yes. This is my new sword.

Hua Lei immediately held up a piece of paper that had 'Xiu Ya suits you well'. The use of that paper felt strange, from the use felt like it was planned and…

How did he know the sword's name?

Chapter Text

Hua Lei had been forced to converse with Shen Jiu.

Not like he was opposed to do so, but it was… inconvenient due to what the Qing Jing Peak Disciple had seen in his last visit. Hua Lei wanted no sympathy, or even acknowledgement of what happened.

Shen Jiu luckily only came about his new sword, that Hua Lei was well acquainted with. Xiu Ya. He was glad he prepared the paper before as writing would be rather difficult to write in the moment where he was stuck speaking to his own Shifu.

Shen Jiu was someone who he desired nothing from, yet he barely glanced over to Zheng Meili and instead kept his gaze pinpointed on Hua Lei without fault -Hua Lei did not trust those eyes we when he couldn't even speak with him.

Hua Lei suspected that was the reason that they were friends so quickly in his past life, but he was completely different from how he was before. That child was fine the moment that man came.

Shen Jiu looked so very strangely at him, like he had said something wrong whilst unable to speak. Then again, Hua Lei had spoken in front of him. It wasn't like it was difficult to speak physically, but Shen Jiu should know better than anyone that there were gaps in physical state due to mental.

Then again, Shen Jiu was never one who was meant to be smart emotionally. That much was clear from the original story between Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan -the two soulmates. Perhaps he could push them together.

His saviour was here anyway, so he could leave the strange situation with Shen Jiu. Xizhi-lang was here!

Hua Lei ran towards his friend and jumped for a hug. Xizhi-lang caught him in the air and had a small look of concern pulling at his pretty face that was covered by a hood.

Xizhi-lang was known to be a regular for him despite only being available for a month and was known as a suitor despite their friendship, it was all that people could speak of.

But something that had also been taught in the short time was a lot of sign language. Xizhi-lang was really sweet and constantly seemed praise, which made him Shizun once more.

Hua Lei released himself from his snakey companion before beginning to sign his desires as a way to escape from Shen Jiu.

He pointed towards Xizhi-lang before moving with an open palm moving towards the body.

Hua Lei then mimicked bringing a cup to his lips and tipping it back slightly. He took his right hand to make his index and thumb finger touch and dip the hand into his left hand that was open -signing it all with a simple smile that strangely held more emotions than he expressed in front of others.

Would you like some tea?

"S…sorry, please may… a-Lei repeat?" Xizhi-lang asked with a flush from embarrassment lining his cheeks. Hua Lei giggled before signing much slower until Xizhi-lang grew too embarrassed and looked away for a moment.

"Tea sounds nice, a-Lei." Xizhi-lang responded and Hua Lei smiled brightly and held his hand as he tugged the snake up the stairs and to his room. Hua Lei wasn't sure if Xizhi-lang had payed yet, but he would pay after id he hadn't -the other women in the brothel trusted the snake from past experiences when Hua Lei had pulled him before.

Hua Lei accidentally looked back to see Shen Jiu still looking at him, but it was only a second that he looked back.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Shen Jiu's mind was consumed. 

Hua Lei certainly knew more than he should. Much more. The fact of him knowing the name of his blade before the name was told was a damming pie e of evidence not to trust him despite what was known now about the boy.

He knew he wasn't one to trust anyone, especially a boy, but this boy was strangely still had the ability to look cute and unable to protect himself despite the fact the boy had stabbed the man's back with his nails.

Shen Jiu acknowledged that he had been staring for far too long and now, Hua Lei was looking nervous as his posture made him strained whilst making himself smaller and yet he still was cute as he always had to be.

Hua Lei then suddenly turned to the side before He began to run in that direction. It was the hodded boy from a while ago. The man caught Hua Lei in his arms whilst the other hugged him, a strange sight that for some reason placed himself in a antsy position.

He saw Hua Lei make movements with his hands after releasing his hold, but the man was still holding on to Hua Lei's waist. Shen Jiu didn't understand the hand movements, nor did he look at them as he instead looked at the hands that were unmoved from such a place.

Men truly were so detestable to not release what they desired until they were satisfied -which they never could be. But he snapped back as soon as Hua Lei got down and grabbed the man's hand with a smile so much greater than Shen Jiu had ever seen. Detestable.

Hua Lei really cared about this strange man.

Shen Jiu sighed as he watched the two and only caught a glimpse of Hua Lei looking at him once, and it was only so that he could look away a second later with what looked like an even brighter smile.

Was he truly so terrible that not being near him was a sign to have joy.

Chapter Text

Zhushi-lang was really glad to see Hua Lei.

Hua Lei was someone he had been seeing more and more frequently, but it still brought him so much joy to see the Huli Jing. Hua Lei was striking, Xizhi-lang must admit- and seeing him on his arm was a sight Zhushi-lang quite liked even if it caused him to blush.

Zhushi-lang wasn't even sure how he could blush with his mainly snake genetics, and yet he held his form to be a more human one, so perhaps the two made him more like a mammal rather than a reptilian creature.

But, right now Zhushi-lang was able to be near Hua Lei, just sitting in silence with their true form revealed. Hua Lei allowed for his tails to swing gently as Zhushi-lang's hideous but natural form slimed around -Hua Lei said he could cast a spell to remove it and so he shouldn't worry.

Zhushi-lang was used to people screaming at his true form, or at least vomitting. Even Tianlang-Jun had to wince in disgust and speak about his features as if he was a well known monster instead of a nephew. But Hua Lei called him cute.

Granted, Hua Lei said he was so ugly he bordered on cute but it didn't matter.

Hua Lei didn't scream, didn't cry, didn't even care. Hua Lei showed the same feelings that he always did, even when Zhushi-lang wouldn't have minded the usual reaction due to it being so very common.

Hua Lei embraced the half snake, half heavenly Demon form, even when it was over twice the size of the admittedly small boy. He wasn't extremely short, but he was one of the shortest boys Zhushi-lang had seen.

Hua Lei just allowed for silence to roam freely between the two cuddled up together like it was the most natural thing to occur in this world that cared so much for division and classification. 

Zhushi-lang felt seen when with Hua Lei.

He was glad whenever his uncle and his lover wished for Zhushi-lang to leave because then he could be free for a moment. Zhushi-lang had even began to be the one to ask to leave, causing his uncle to burst into laughter as the small snake curled in to himself.

Tianlang-Jun was very happy that Zhushi-lang left, even with the bountiful laughter that came beforehand. And now, he was simply allowed to exist as a being known. Zhushi-lang valued it ever so.

Hua Lei would probably be the only reason he could ever stray from his uncle -he valued both equally to the point where the snake began to believe that he was unable to choose between the two. He would allow himself to be cut in half to appease the two.

But suddenly, Hua Lei's ears shot up alongside Hua Lei. The Huli Jing uttered one word that caused anxiety to flood through the snake demon like he was weak. "ꫝ꠸ᦔꫀ."

Zhushi-lang shifted to his humanoid form and placed his hood up. Hua Lei abandoned his ears and tails whilst twisting his hand for the slime to be removed before placing himself leaning on Zhushi-lang with an intimacy that felt like intrusion for even Zhushi-lang, and he was the one it was for.

Just then, a human stepped through the door. The human wasn't pretty like Hua Lei, but wasn't ugly like him. He seemed to be the age in which teenagers were growing into their adult face where proportions looked odd.

Then again, only Hua Lei could ever look pretty with a harsh scowl pulling at his face to cause dramatic lines, the human looked like he was personally offended by something.

"Hua Lei! You've been ignoring me. And how did you know the name of my sword before I told it?" The human came closer, Hua Lei made no attempt to even move an inch, but on his face was a smile that felt a bit strange? Then again, Zhushi-lang never was one to understand humans or their expressions.

"You! Hooded man, leave. Now." The human sounded like a possessed man with an obsession with Hua Lei, which is something Zhushi-lang wouldn't ever leave alone with Hua Lei for fear of his species being revealed by the murder.

Then again, Hua Lei could hide with Zhushi-lang if so.

"No." He said to both himself and the human in front of him, who grew even more angry.

"You really want to spend your time with a whore who can't even say anything?!" The human sounded like a child. Did he really think he was worthy of Hua Lei's presence to be with him as a lover.

"Hua Lei is a pleasure to be around for a multitude of reasons. Perhaps if you spoke to him instead of shouting, you would realise that?" Zhushi-lang held on to Hua Lei's waist with a sense of protectiveness that felt foreign to the snake demon.

The humans face was filled with disgust before looking at Hua Lei and turning towards the door as he left the room, with still a lot of noise. He slammed the door behind himself and Zhushi-lang could hear the sounds of the human's steps. 

He could only imagine how sensitive His Lei felt with his enhanced hearing. He turned to see Hua Lei looking utterly weak and sensitive, no wonder the human turned on his heals to leave after the defeat of Hua Lei's comfort.

Zhushi-lang realised his hand was still on Hua Lei's waist and he was pulling the Huli Jing towards him as he released immediately. Hua Lei saw him fall backwards in realisation and giggled.

The sound was sweet, but soon Hua Lei climbed on top of the snake. Then, Hua Lei whispered in his ear, with human tounge, he was able to whisper a few words. 

"How forward, Xizhi-lang. You know, you did pay for me and you know my profession~ It can even help us both get stronger than before."

Zhushi-lang was weak to this… whatever the feeling was.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu wasn't completely sure why he was so emotional.

He rarely was one to burst, unless it was with that Bai Zhan Brute who was so stupid that one could never let themselves fall into tranquility in the face of that constant ignorance that bordered on the intelligence of a animal -something much lesser than a mortal human.

It was strange. Shen Jiu hated the thought of someone who would never be a man have to be surrounded by that same thing he couldn't be. Cruel. It was truly cruel to be in that line of profession.

Shen Jiu didn't feel bad for most whores as they… Shen Jiu didn't think about their life. He saw Hua Lei in that moment, hugging onto that man whilst smiling with his usual lack of enthusiasm, then seeing the man hold onto Hua Lei tight enough to make the courtesean make another face.

Shen Jiu couldn't understand the complete expression. He never was one to understand others and he knew as much from every interaction he had. He only knew when fighting begining. Nothing else, he didn't need to understand the emotions of others separate from the immediate response for survival.

There was a suprise very much detectable, but it shifted into compliance whilst his face was squeezed into closing only one of his golden eyes and trying to escape a bit more so as not to be squished. There was a faint blush of embarrassment lining his cheeks as he looked up at the man before turning to Shen Jiu.

For some reason, the cultivator couldn't handle it and so left. He was currently waiting for the man to leave so he could return to Hua Lei and hopefully speak to the boy.

The seats in the common room were uncomfortable compared to Hua Lei's bed that he still longed for despite being able to sleep on his own bed after exhausting himself.

There wasn't much he could do except wait as men went and passed. The two seemed to be spending an awful long time together and were taking the Mick at this point. It was as if they knew of his presence.

Just then, the two came down. The man looked rather tired and had heavy blush that made him look like a pig rather than a human. Hua Lei looked energised as he held onto the man's arm and pulled him to the counter where the man payed… Did he not do so beforehand?

"Oh. Is A-Jiu interested in Hua Lei's favourite customer? His name is Zhushi-lang apparently, though everyone called him Xizhi-lang cause that was the Lotus's nickname for the boy. He's sweet. Very respectful. Though I don't think he's sweet anymore~"

A Courtesean laughed. She held no name in Shen Jiu's memory, but he recalled her as a Jiejie who would sing him songs due to her lack of talent for much else. He recalled the time before Hua Lei -Where Courteseans would crowd around him to spend the night entertaining him free from their normal activities.

But now, they all wanted him to be around the only other boy. They would make excuses and look with curiosity as the other two arrived to converse in any way shape or form. It was annoying but Hua Lei let himself ignore them.

Shen Jiu looked at the man who had caught sight of Shen Jiu still there and his exhaustion had morphed into spite as he hugged Hua Lei deeply before leaving whilst still staring at Shen Jiu.

Hua Lei looked pleased with the hug as he followed a few steps behind the man before sneaking up for another hug. It was deeply inappropriate to express oneself in front of others, but Hua Lei just continued to hug with the man 'Zhushi-Lang' caught off guard from his staring.

Hua Lei then released the man before waiting for him to leave. The courtesean then moved towards the cultivator with an acute sense of annoyance radiating off the boy.

He slid a paper to Shen Jiu as he sat down. The paper had 'Why does Jiu-ge act so differently now, after leaving for multiple data after the event? It's not like this lowly Courtesean either wants nor needs your pity.'

It was longer than a lot of the notes Hua Lei usually wrote but Hua Lei really thought that Shen Jiu felt pity when it was more like understanding. It made Shen Jiu more aware of how his job as a Courtesean was unfavourable in accordance to the man who broken in that day.

Hua Lei was glaring at him. Shen Jiu did not know how to respond. He just did. "I don't pity you, I can just tolerate you -If you truly desire for me to return to my hatred for you then I shall. I came here for both my new sword and to say that we are going to be learning that hand language you speak on Qing Jing, but you have to learn fan language."

Hua Lei looked purely shocked, as if he knew that Shen Jiu both made the last bit up on the spot and knew the curriculum for Qing Jing. Shen Jiu felt as if he could get away with the relatively small lie as the disciples of his rank had just learnt how to identify a person who was only able to speak through their hands for multiple reasons.

Shen Jiu just didn't know how to act around someone so far from being a woman but would never be a man.

Wait… D-did that note say Jiu-ge?

Chapter Text

Hua Lei watched as Shen Jiu suddenly burst into pink with his eyebrows furrowed.

“J-Jiu-ge?” Oh, did he really write that? Hua Lei couldn’t help but feel a sudden wave of sorrow as he recalled the nickname he had been all those years ago. It was remarkable how, even after fifteen years, the nickname still existed in his mind as an echo.

Hua Lei smiled softly as he slowly tilted his head, though he deliberately kept his expression free from the ever so common smile he often wore. That smile was more of a mask, a reassurance he offered to himself rather than to others. 

It was peculiar how, without that familiar grin, everything around him felt strangely devoid of meaning and significance. A sense of emptiness settled in, as if the world had dimmed.

The concept of something holding value was inherently fickle like the wind. Most people tended to abandon their own principles and beliefs when faced with adversity, succumbing to the desire for survival.

 In times of hardship, survival became the central desire for the masses. They were swept away in the relentless tide of life's challenges, leaving behind what they once considered important.

Hua Lei looked at Shen Jiu once again only to see how the cultivator was looking at him with intense eyes filled with concern, although Hua Lei didn't understand why the old friend looked like that. He only spent his time dreaming of the good.

There were good things in life. And yet, it was so difficult to leave his bed, he had already cleaned it through the spells he knew from his past life. It certainly was a strange thing to recall when he couldn't remember how the sky looked in the Eastern Demonic Kingdom.

There was only a deep, yearning desire to be in the kniwn warmth of the east, where the sun held itself higher than any Courtesean -who were so fallen from their noble birth to be a whore.

 Instead, the relentless winter continued to drag on, seemingly lost in its own entertainment, as if the cold air and biting winds were putting on a show for an audience that had long since grown tired. 

There was not even a hint of rain to entertain the sky or even apologise to Hua Lei for the trouble from his natural hatred for the cold weather that frequented more than even Xizhi-lang.

The promise of spring felt like a distant dream, a shimmering mirage just beyond reach. The contrast between the bleak chill and the anticipated warmth of the east only heightened the longing, making the heart ache for the vibrant colors and gentle breezes that were yet to come. 

The courteseans were also purchased more in spring and in summer under the saying that 'flowers are best in the seasons of spring and summer.' as if it meant anything separate from they wanted to fu-

"Hua Lei, why did you call me that?" Shen Jiu interrupted his train of thought as he looked straight in the face of the boy whom was just a little distracted.

Hua Lei painted that smile to be carved onto his face with no sign to be removed as if he was carved from stone -then again, he felt as if he was medusa when he had a snake wrapped around him at every opportunity.

Shen Jiu sighed as he rolled his eyes at the sight of the smile but he didn't start a fight or humiliate the Courtesean; there was progress in his behaviour. Hua Lei actually giggled to himself at the sight of the limited improvement.

Shen Jiu kept his eyes on him to the point in which Hua Lei was wondering if he was blinking at all when he simply looked unimpressed with the display of human emotions to be so free.

Then again, Shen Jiu was barely human -or at least thought of himself as such despite his human behaviour. He was just traumatised and would act as he was taught from others. Though that made it sound like Hua Lei approved of the atrocities that Shen Jiu would commit when under the name of Shen Qingqiu.

Hua Lei stood up and looked at Shen Jiu -waiting for the boy to get up, which proved to take a good long while before the two moved. Hua Lei then walked up the stairs with the desire of friendship to blossom once more.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Hua Lei's room was massively unique compared to the other Courteseans.

Shen Jiu had already been in this room before but now, under the direct sunlight from the morning still occuring -casting a bright light upon the room. It was really bright.

The green was light and brighter than even the ropes of Qing Jing but Pink were left in flickers of the room, making it ever so pretty, just like the Courtesean always had to be with his hair and eyes.

His eyes weren't completely golden. They were mainly brown yet hidden within the dirt were flakes of gold that would capture ones attention. The value of gold was what gave his eyes a recognisable value.

Hua Lei buried himself in his own bed and left the canopy open for Shen Jiu to enter, even turning to the other side to avoid any embarrassment to befall Shen Jiu. It was as if Hua Lei knew everything!

Shen Jiu hated the feeling and so just stood in the room where Hua Lei looked back with an annoyed look before getting out to push Shen Jiu into bed where Hua Lei then hugged him tightly to make sure he wouldn't escape, even when Hua Lei had already shocked him from being able to love him.

Hua Lei looked like he was barely able to hold an instrument, and there he was -pushing Shen Jiu to where he wanted him without Shen Jiu being able to retaliate.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei's waist was nice.

It wasn't like Shen Jiu wanted his hands to be around it, but it was the perfect size to cuddle into. Nice. There was no other word to describe it.

Shen Jiu was still learning how to speak like a scholar should as he had only been there for a year in contrast to his Shizun, who was over two hundred. She was someone who was rather peculiar and didn't resemble the scholarly image despite her pushing all disciples to resemble the frame.

Hua Lei was pretty, Shen Jiu could admit as much -even when he would never vocalise such a statement that was so shameless and could fuel the ego of the Courtesean despite the boy never showing what was so clearly there.

He showed confidence and with that smile, there was no way anything else could occur.

Shen Jiu could feel the rise and fall of that breath from the boy in front of him. Shen Jiu wondered if they were friends. It felt strange for a scum like Shen Jiu to possess something as nice as a singular friend in this world that would rather strip everything from him. He deserved anyway.

Shen Jiu's many fears and anxieties seized in that moment -despite Shen Jiu not even knowing they were present. Shen Jiu brought himself close as he cuddled into the boy who seemed to mould into what Shen Jiu wanted him to be without any kid of resemblance to a human as he continued to sleep deeply. 

There was a sense of desperation as he took a deep breath in and could smell the delicate nature of the boy with a slight aquatic hint to reflect on how Hua Lei was named the lotus of The warm red pavillion.

Shen Jiu didn't think there was a better flower for Hua Lei.

But he soon found himself awake in the next day without even being able to recall sleeping. Then again, that was better than the near constant nightmares -about either Qiu manor or Wu Yanzi's so called education- that would kill him from within.

Hua Lei was already awake and was reading a book that Shen Jiu had read because it was apparently rather dark, but Shen Jiu mainly found it interesting in contrast to the initial thoughts heard from the woman whom sold him the book.

"Do you like the book, Hua Lei?" Shen Jiu asked but kept his usual tone, only for the Courtesean to still be surprised at his politeness.

Hua Lei nodded before standing up to get some ink, which was strangely red in a way that resembled blood, but it was probably meant to resemble a flower's vibrancy.

'I both hate the villain Am as well as love him. I hate its actions but they're understandable since it is a being made for war and so only has a negative input for a negative output, yet it is still cruel how he treated the last five humans, after gaining sentience and killing most of the human race. He just feels accurate…'

Shen Jiu saw Hua Lei ran out of ink whilst holding an annoyed facial expression with his eyebrows furrowed and a pout placed upon his cute features. "Why don't you just speak? You can."

Hua Lei had an appalled gaze as he slowly looked at Shen Jiu before huffing and turning the other direction of the boy. Shen Jiu wanted to do something but didn't. He didn't even know what he wanted to do.

Shen Jiu just sat down to the opposite side of Hua Lei whilst looking at the skillful calligraphy of the boy who was still pouting but would look at Shen Jiu every few seconds.

Shen Jiu looked at the calligraphy being perfectly moulded into beauty that held no flaws, unlike Shen Jiu's. He should probably start teaching Hua Lei the language of fans.

"Do you own a fan?" Shen Jiu asked and Hua Lei shot up and rushed to the drawers with a mirror laying upon it. There was a fan, which when opened looked like the one that Shen Jiu so commonly had -a fan of a bamboo forest with a white snake placed slithering amongst the greenery.

Shen Jiu sighed as he began to teach the basics in a mirrored form for Hua Lei who seemed to learn the symbols quickly as if language was the one thing he was physically able to do despite the many cruelties of speaking being his weakness.

Hua Lei very obviously wished so that he could have ink on him and therefore tell what the signs of his own language to be. It was cute to see the attempt of hiding his disappointment and instead listening to Shen Jiu without any hatred lingering for the Courtesan who refused to speak.

Shen Jiu smiled whilst knowing it would look cruel and cunning to pull the sides of his face in that manner. Hua Lei simply sighed as he looked to the side. Shen Jiu liked his friend.

Friends were such a foreign concept that it felt strange to refer to someone as such (his past 'friend' hardly qualified to be a true one) and Shen Jiu could only show the warmth to himself as he continued to teach.

Hua Lei giggled to himself and brought himself closer to Shen Jiu before signing something that Shen Jiu would never be able to understand. Hua Lei pointed his index finger toward Shen Jiu before opening his left hand and using his right to tap the palm and making a thumbs up.

"You know I don't understand all that." Shen Jiu didn't understand why he scowled but he did as he spoke, Hua Lei only giggled before taking Shen Jiu's palm and writing 'You're a good teacher' upon the outstretched palm where Shen Jiu kept his gaze on even after Hua Lei released the hand.

Hua Lei made a small bow of apologies for that action regardless of Shen Jiu liking contact with his friend.

Chapter Text

Months had passed for the two friends.

Hua Lei was pleasantly surprised by the manner in which Shen Jiu learnt sign language -He was both quick to learn the signs for the basics, but would be stubborn and learnt the more extravagant words wrong but would learn them wrong and bring a scholar, he wanted to use the so called better words.

It was something that Hua Lei had to deal with with such frustration, although with attempts to not show it. Attempts. That is the key word here.

But now, Hua Lei had to work while not being directly bought for the night. Hua Lei was currently working on the ground floor where people would crowd around with the intention to be the one desired -Hua Lei could see as such from the lift of their heads.

Luckily, Hua Lei was appointed to dance upon that lovely day to show himself off like he deserved to be. Upon that evening, he wore a beautiful pink robe -pink was his signature colour for more than the reason of his parents colour choices between red and white to show his parentage that he was unable to reveal when everyone cared so much for heritage.

The top only covered his high chest as thin chains with charms placed upon would drape over his waist were even more chains were in a futile attempt to draw attention. Everyone would no doubt be looking at him anyway.

The lower had no trousers, yet the skirt was long as layered with thin silks that were only with enough layers to entice whilst keeping modesty despite the high slit upon his leg for all to enjoy his jade skin that was commented on so frequently.

His hair was placed up with more ribbons although in a magenta colour in a hairstyle that only kept his hair out of his face. A very loose ponytail with stands made into a plait.

Hua Lei lowered his face before the dance occurred and he could move freely as he was taught to -at least, enough to be regarded as the best dancer of the flowers.

Twirls caught the silks in a manner that allowed it to float in the air with love shown towards the gentle flow in contrast to his fast actions of twirls and graceful movements that served as a pause to the air growing too swift and tense.

Hua Lei enjoyed the feeling of the eyes cast upon either his movements or appearance with no in-between. At least he thought so; until he saw Xizhi-lang.

The moment he caught glance with Xizhi-lang was a moment of slowness where he could show his acute suprise before returning to his swift yet elegant movements. A smile much that was much brighter than before cast upon his features with a rejuvenation.

The gaze was pinpointed on at least one person at a time to show a level interest but always returned to his dearest friend, Xizhi-lang, without fail. It was sweet to see him.

Xizhi-lang was shy -that much was obvious- but he was loyal and was quick to please the Huli Jing with all his heart, something that made Hua Lei's confidence grow even greater than the desire of others being upon yourself.

Then again, it could be dehumanising. He could be seen as an object to be won the favour of and be giving the greatest enthusiasm by someone who one had no responsibility of care over.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Shen Jiu entered only to see Hua Lei leaving the stage.

It was a shame not to see him perform when he would get better every performance. Shen Jiu paused to see Hua Lei's outfit that was a step above even his usual attire for when the boy would desire to dance for a night.

It was pink with butterflies adorning the back where Hua Lei couldn't see it. He looked like the most precious of the flowers as he sat beside the other Courteseans so that he could listen to them speak.

Shen Jiu tried to keep his vision off Hua Lei but was unable to until he saw Zhushi-lang. The man was also looking at Hua Lei although there was obsession clear in his eyes as he never stayed from the direction that Hua Lei had placed himself to be within.

Shen Jiu sat beside the man.

Zhushi-lang didn't notice him until Shen Jiu fake coughed. The look in Zhushi-lang's eyes faded just a little but looked rather polite and full of the boredom.

"Hello." The man spoke in a quiet tone that somehow sounded sarcastic.

"Hello, you like Lei-di?" The name felt weird to say but Shen Jiu kept his face full of distain that would mask it. Further, it felt like a response to the name 'Jiu-ge' that Hua Lei had written in his calligraphy that was comparable to even his Shizun's somehow -It was as if Hua Lei was old enough to know the perfect measurements of character lines.

Zhushi-lang nodded as he looked back to Hua Lei, Shen Jiu glanced at the direction of the gaze to see Hua Lei giggling whilst tilting his head to make his eyes look like Cresent moons.

Shen Jiu didn't know how to respond when Zhushi-lang was looking at Hua Lei with love near leaking out his eyes that were wide and unblinking like a reptile's vision would be to keep eyes on its prey -but Shen Jiu wouldn't allow Hua Lei to be tainted by a man.

Hua Lei somehow could sense their conversation and looked questioning although a bit teasing towards Shen Jiu before smiling brightly at Zhushi-lang's direction. Although, that look had no connotations to love that Shen Jiu could identify.

Shen Jiu loved the look for Hua Lei to be happy even when his usual look tried to look happy -It wasn't honest. Shen Jiu valued honestly, even when most things were ranked above it.

Shen Jiu just wanted an end to this relationship that wasn't even reciprocal to someone who was more delicate than a ceramic plate.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei enjoyed the feeling of Shen Jiu beside him.

The boy had to hide him under the guise of needing to around the other Courteseans -but then the worst case scenario occurred. Zhushi-lang was there also.

Hua Lei didn't allow himself to pout even when everything felt so cruel for the two to be placed together and both looking at him; he couldn't deny his friends. Never.

Hua Lei sighed before he looked back at the two only to see Shen Jiu with a face clearly filled with distaste towards Hua Lei's only other true friend who he was admittedly closer to due to the honesty they shared.

Hua Lei allowed himself to get up and wave a goodbye to the other musically trained Courteseans before walking to their table. Shen Jiu looked displeased with whatever Zhushi-lang said.

"Hello, A-Lei. You danced really well today, you have somehow been getting better and better than even your practice where you had no pressure on you -If didn't think that was possible." Zhushi-lang, ever the flatterer, spoke with his common voice that sounded peaceful to listen to.

Hua Lei giggled when listening to the snake and sat himself down in opposition to the two others placements. Hua Lei looked to Shen Jiu only to see the prickly cultivator simply looking back at him with unexpressed eyes and a scowl pulling at his face.

Hua Lei didn't want to be associated with the two when they were acting so antisocial -the two should be conversing about something when they were able to do so in contrast to the Courtesean forced to speak by their own mind.

Shame. The threads of fate twisted around the boy who was neither human nor beast. He, to his own shame, had to exist and therefore attempt to live despite the world being quite a hellish place.

Zhushi-lang never strayed away from Hua Lei but kept his body still, despite his common urge to slither around when the two were alone and free from the visions of others.

He should be trying to speak to another who didn't feel entirely human, although Shen Jiu would no doubt have the desire to kill him for being a male and would need to murder if his heritage was discovered by the irrational teen.

Hua Lei smiled as he looked at the two but kept his body more shifted if Shen Jiu would start a fight. It was difficult to watch Shen Jiu carefully.

"I'm purchasing you tonight." Shen Jiu spoke as he stood up and looked at Hua Lei to move -Where Hua Lei looked back at Zhushi-lang who showed acute disappointment but made no verbal denial to it.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

Shen Jiu was glad to save him, of only for one night.

It was difficult to exist in that silence where nothing felt comfortable despite the two others acting like it was regular and just smiling. Shen Jiu sighed as he walked.

He missed that bed that was more comfortable than anything -but it would be impolite to hop into bed without any discussion, no matter if Shen Jiu would prefer it. Besides.

Shen Jiu was exceptionally tired though, and could feel the immense weight behind his own two eyes as they were sucked into the absence to let his eyelids fall into slumber of which he so desperately desired from the night.

Shen Jiu couldn't understand but he felt himself fall before tea was even served. He was just sitting yo wait before slowly falling into a desperate attempt to rest, but he wouldn't allow himself to fall before he was ready, even when he felt his lumps weigh so much more than they should.

But he slowly felt his head be lifted and it fell into Hua Lei's lap as the comfort enveloped him. Shen Jiu couldn't allow such kindness. He didn't deserve the love thar Hua Lei would give it to anyone else in the world despite if the person was deserving or not so, Shen Jiu definitely wasn't worthy for a shred of kindness to be given despite their friendship.

Shen Jiu was muddy from the blood staining his hands and body. From the demons that controlled his mind and heart -he was the demon that controlled the body long since dead. It died when Qi-ge did so.

But Hua Lei's thighs were so comfortable and the silk ribbons forming his skirt were gentle, Shen Jiu could still feel the slit were the jade skin would peak out to tease anyone watching.

Shen Jiu was far too comfortable and at this point, he didn't even desire the bed he so commonly craved, not when he now knew the comfort of the bed now combined with warmth from another human, although this one was untainted. Perfect.

Shen Jiu felt Hua Lei's warm breath on his cheek and may wish to see the arched back from Hua Lei to be able to lean in. There was a noise that Shen Jiu knew too well from his minds consumption of it.

"Jiu-ge, you 'wake." Hua Lei spoke with a sweet voice that was rather high pitched despite it being a whisper from a man, it was comforting…

Shen Jiu had waited to long to respond now, it has become a foolish thing to speak now. He simply wished to kiss… what?

No. His brain was acting strange from being comfortable and tired so was just in need of rest upon Hua Lei's thighs.

Shen Jiu really wanted to rest here, and it seems that would be true when Hua Lei still refused to disturb who he believed was resting, despite Shen Jiu not minding if that would be true for the teasing boy.

Shen Jiu desired rest as he began to fall into a honest rest. He felt his mind grow weaker and it took him longer to do something as simple as thinking in this state.

Hua Lei was so kind to allow Shen Jiu's existence despite everything he had done against him in the beginning. Their friendship had only recently been realised.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei's legs hurt.

He spent the entire night with Shen Jiu placed upon his lap, the boy had turned and tossed in his sleep until he was curled up even further into Hua Lei's lap whilst now cuddling into his lower torso, like a cat.

It amused Hua Lei if it wasn't for the pain he felt. He knew it would sting much worse than the numbness encasing his legs once he would stand up from the floor.

Not to mention how Shen Jiu acted the day before, he was completely strange and irrational which sadly Hua Lei had to allow once Shen Jiu purchased him for the day.

It was annoying but was better than some man wanting to either treasure Hua Lei at night like an object or force him to cry. He hated the two extremes.

Worst of all was that Hua Lei didn't sleep! He could feel himself yawn every five seconds but it was hard to sleep whilst his body had the pressure of a Human pressed upon it with no way to move.

But now, it was obvious that Shen Jiu was awake from how the eyebrows were furrowed and yet they were not in aggression, not to mention the faint rosiness that lived on those high cheeks that were starting to grow more defined.

Hua Lei knew that Shen Jiu would be a jade beauty in the future but he was only starting to grow into that. It was sweet to see the maturation.

Hua Lei disliked being a child himself despite experiencing it three times by now, each were filled with a developing brain that caused his mind to also be shaped by that. His self confidence made him feel embarrassed in his latest childhood and left him acting secluded and barely sharing anything.

Shen Jiu finally opened his eyes to see Hua Lei's expression and he looked shocked before getting up and beginning to look away with the redness encasing his face like it with Liu Qingge when Hua Lei was even two steps away from him.

"Y-you… you should get dressed for the day." Shen Jiu fixed his tone to act more like the scholar he desired to be, probably to act like his Shizun.

Hua Lei stood up but his legs crumbled from the sudden motion and the boy ended up on the floor once more with little more self respect than what Shang Qinghua would have -and that bitch fell for every wife-plot unplanned.

Shang Qinghua… Hua Lei wondered how he was right now? He would probably be heading disciple. Probably, had also met mini Mobei-Jun by now, or was at least close to do so.

…He had been standing here for a bit too long. Shen Jiu was looking at him and Hua Lei had to move now although with a strange expression as he avoided eye contact, it didn't matter when Shen Jiu was almost always in a contrast from himself.

Hua Lei slowly got up before going behind his privacy screen with one of his more bland robes that the madam had gotten him -It was with Shen Jiu's style in mind but was different from his darkened robes and was instead using light green that had a touch more yellow to contrast his slightly more blue robes.

It looked nice as he placed a simple plait within his hair. Acting simple, would attract the attention of more simple customers who would be intrigued by 'someone who was not trying so hard' when all they wanted was to be unique in their blandness. 

Those people never cared for his personality, only that he wasn't trying so hard for something that was literally his job to do so. Hua Lei hated those people but there were sadly many of them.

Hua Lei left his room and heard a ruckus, looking down from the open area looking over the ground floor, he saw… Shen Jiu and Liu Qingge. Oh no. That shit would kill everyone with their stupidity.

Guess Hua Lei would have to be the grown up again, he really wasn't in the mood today.

Hua Lei slid down the handrails of the stairs although had to stop on each opening to the previous floor, but Hua Lei only arrived when he could only minimise the impact but the two would no doubt still cause hatred between the two.

"You truly are a scum to be here! Aren't you ashamed to be a head disciple in such a place, like almost you live here with how many times you come here?" Liu Qingge was truly yelling with all his might.

Shen Jiu only remained silent whilst Liu Qingge screamed accusing words, Hua Lei couldn't deny that Shen Jiu was kind of looking like Hua Lei with a small dead smile on his face, although it was more dead than his.

Hua Lei couldn't deny the giggle that came from his lips at the sight.

Both the cultivators turned to look at the strange laughing Courtesean and Hua Lei saw how Shen Jiu's eyes softened and that false smile left. "Why are you laughing, whore? Say your name."

Hua Lei looked confused on purpose whilst his smile also fell and he tilted his head whilst looking at the floor. "Idiot. Hua Lei can't speak, he's mute. Why are you even looking at him, like he means anything?"

Wow, rather rude. Not that Hua Lei cared, he had to play his part in this performance, like a good little puppet and good human despite not even being one.

Hua Lei came forward whilst carrying his fan in his left hand whilst being in front of his face so he could say 'introduce me' in fan language -though Shen Jiu immediately shot up with a stiff posture as he spoke.

"No, I will not introduce you! Why would Lei-di even want that?!" Shen Jiu used the nickname again, and with such a sweet tone, though in this moment, sweet referred to the care to acknowledge the words.

Hua Lei sighed as he pouted and instead turned to Liu Qingge. It had been a long while since he had seen his old friend and he inspected the pretty and feminine face of Liu Qingge before circling around him with a grin to see nothing would change in the future.

"What is concerning you so much? You must not see many cultivators before, separate from Shen Jiu." Liu Qingge was wrong, extremely wrong when almost half his clients were from Cang Qiong or another 'noble' sect. They are only noble in name. Not in people.

Hua Lei grimaced before walking to the counter where Niu-Jie had a understanding look in her eyes as she passed the books of those who had purchased a Courtesean. Hua Lei walked back while turning to the page of those from Bai Zhan.

Hua Lei found the page and passed the book to Liu Qingge, who's eyes were squinting with furrowed eyebrows and his arms crossed. It took a second for him to release his own arms and instead look at the book.

"Are these really…? That doesn't mean Disciple Shen is off the hook… but thank you. I will punish these disciples."

Good. Hua Lei smiled whilst letting his hand fall on top of Liu Qingge's head in appreciation of his open-minded behaviour that would look past the current event.

Liu Qingge was taken aback and quickly sprinted off, while carrying the book they needed for recordings.

"You really have to save me? There was the day on the stairs, the day I realised… and now." Hua Lei didn't understand the pause but just smiled at the boy who he did no longer wish to see in the moment.

He didn't want to interact today, but it didn't matter with his job, at least he could ignore a little bit of the customers.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu was strangely comfortable.

He forgot where he was for a moment before hearing a small sigh from above him with a small uncomfortable noise, yet the cultivator didn't care to move. It was easy to simply fade into the comfort of Hua Lei.

Shen Jiu tried to stay as asleep as possible yet felt so shameless to act without honesty. The mix of comfort and discomfort felt peculiar to the boy who had never considered such a thing as to remain on this boys lap to rest in simplicity and safety that was obviously rather rare in this cruel world. Yet...

Shen Jiu didn't want to allow his mind to flow into the thought of Hua Lei's comforting body that was soft and sweet to be near. The thought broke from its command and instead consumed the male brain of his.

Shen Jiu may acknowledge the physical desire that he felt but why was that such a despicable thing when Hua Lei was the one who was a Courtesean as well as everyone who surrounded him had the same desires -the problem was the male species.

Shen Jiu still felt a bit strange to see the same desire within his soul despite his sex. Then again, Hua Lei was a peerless beauty with jade skin and exotic hair (not to mention his figure and confident yet naive posture that would call it anyone for help in learning the world).

How sweet was Hua Lei to someone who had actually tasted his skin. Shen Jiu held back the disgust when thinking of Zhushi-lang's common knowledge with the courteseans as he learnt recently.

The cultivator lo- lusted. Shen Jiu opened his eyes in suprise of how his mind shifted from the clear and honest true of how the attraction was purely for his own benefit, not Hua Lei's and so therefore was not something so pure as love.Shen Jiu had to get up from the comfortable lap belonging to Hua Lei… but it didn't belong to him with his job.

"Y-you… you should get dressed for the day." Shen Jiu fixed his tone to act more like the scholar he should strive to be instead of a pathetic wimp like Yue Qingyuan was now.

Shen Jiu disliked Yue Qingyuan. The dislike bordered on hatred at this point due to the disgusting behaviour from his Shixong who thought they were still acquaintances.

They weren't.

Shen Jiu disliked the man immediately from the moment that Yue Qingyuan was shown strong and stomach soft from eating to his desires whilst Shen Jiu was as skinny than the thinnest of the peaks and was unable to eat food rich in taste.

Yue Qingyuan had forgotten about his promise in favour of pretending everything was right and dandy with little more wrong than the 'forced separation' of the two.

Shen Jiu didn't care to entertain the thought of the man further as he instead looked at Hua Lei who had attempted to stand. Only to fall immediately.

Shen Jiu could have caught him but didn't care to, yet immediately regretted it when he saw Hua Lei looking pathetic and weak on the floor with his face showing insecurity but out of embarrassment.

Hua Lei looked a bit silent and then sad, probably thinking about something but it didn't seem to of Hua Lei himself from the loss shown on his face, Shen Jiu didn't look like someone who would loose much so there was a small interest in that.

It had been far too long for such a single thought to be entertained. Hua Lei realised that and then showed such an… admittedly cute expression, Shen Jiu had to look away to stop these foolish thoughts.

Hua Lei got up a bit slowly, probably for security and Shen Jiu didn't want to experience much more about the thought of him being the one to cause his legs to be weak -under different context, that would sound morally wrong for a cultivator, let alone a head disciple of a major sect.

Shen Jiu walked down the steps with his head down as he was far too aware of the heat escaping his cheeks, the heat given by Hua Lei's lap. Shameless. 

It was shameless for him to think of that. Shen Jiu felt embarrassed as he redid his now messed up hair and the strange ribbon that did not belong to him and was instead in the common pink colour Hua Lei wore.

But then, Shen Jiu saw the noble Liu-shidi staring at him with the ugliest expression spoiling that 'maiden' face. "Shen Jiu!" The brute called with a harsh voice that sounded like he had been screaming insults in the air despite his known fast speed on his sword.

"You deplorable scum! Must you taint the honour of our sect." Liu Qingge was truly a massive asshole who deserved nothing more than knowledge rather than the ignorance that was bestowed upon the man from birth.

Shen Jiu recalled the hatred he felt at the beginning of his meeting with Hua Lei and how that smile and silence would pierce any attempts to be civil. It was far more than activating.

"Speak! Or does Shixong wish to fight." Liu Qingge looked as if he was one cun from pulling Ceng Luan from its sheath. 

"You truly are a scum to be here! Aren't you ashamed to be a head disciple in such a place, like almost you live here with how many times you come here?" Liu Qingge was really getting on Shen Jiu's last nerve.

Shen Jiu only remained silent whilst Liu Qingge screamed disgusting words, in silence that was almost tangible in contrast to his Liu Qingge would want the noise to fill the room.

Shen Jiu heard the giggle that he knew well as it belonged to Hua Lei..

Both the cultivators turned to look at the strange laughing Courtesean and Shen Jiu let his reminiscent smile fall in honesty to a trusted ally. 

"Why are you laughing, whore? Say your name." Shen Jiu would kill this bitch.

Hua Lei looked confused as his real smile fell and he tilted his head whilst looking at the floor with an acute sorrow within. "Idiot. Hua Lei can't speak, he's mute. Why are you even looking at him, like he means anything?"

Shen Jiu did not desire any kind of further attention to fall upon Hua Lei. Especially from the immature boy beside him who looked rather shocked and had a look of suprise at the beauty in front of him being mute.

Hua Lei came forward whilst carrying his matching fan in his left hand whilst being it being in front of his face to say 'introduce me' in fan language -though Shen Jiu immediately shot up with a stiff posture before he responded.

"No, I will not introduce you! Why would Lei-di even want that?!" Shen Jiu let the nickname fall from his lips though it felt dishonest to use it in a crowd when it was not in a secluded spot for the two. But seeing the shocked look on Liu Qingge's face was worth that shit.

Hua Lei sighed as he pouted and instead turned to Liu Qingge. There was a small smile there that Shen Jiu hated to see pointed at a person not deserving of anything from his ignorance.

"What is concerning you so much? You must not see many cultivators before, separate from Shen Jiu." Hua Lei looked unimpressed at Liu Qingge with one of his eyebrows raised before a long sigh escaped those red lips.

Shen Jiu caught a small glimpse of a grimace before walking to the counter where the Jiejie who told him if Zhushi-lang she passed a books to Hua Lei with a sweet expression that Shen Jiu rarely saw. Hua Lei walked back while turning to the page of those from Bai Zhan.

Hua Lei found the page and passed the book to Liu Qingge, who's eyes were squinting with furrowed eyebrows and his arms crossed. It took a second for him to release his own arms and instead look at the book.

"Are these really…? That doesn't mean Disciple Shen is off the hook… but thank you. I will punish these disciples."

Shen Jiu assumed that the book told what kind of people came to the warm red pavillion for the activities that were provided by the women and Hua Lei. Liu Qingge looked conflicted before Hua Lei let his hands fall upon the head of Liu Qingge, who looked flushed. Liu Qingge was taken aback and quickly sprinted off, while carrying the book.

"You really have to save me? There was the day on the stairs, the day I realised… " I lust you "and now." Shen Jiu saw the confusion lacing Hua Lei's features and let his features shoe the displeased emotion Shen Jiu wished to feel.

Hua Lei suddenly stood straight and left without even waving as his eyes were even wider than normal but fear hid in the corners of his lychee eyes.

"Xiao-Jiu. I" 

"Don't call me that!"

"I-i… was told to stop a fight between you and Liu-shidi, but it seems he ran off already." Yue Qingyuan looked pathetic withst begging for attention.

"I'll go back by myself Shixong."

And with that, Shen Jiu left as Yue Qingyuan stumbled so to follow, but he didn't see the hate that flowed from Hua Lei upon seeing that man. The man who called himself 'Qi-ge' to anyone he desired.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu disliked th fact he had to leave despite anything being better to be far from Yue Qingyuan.

Shen Jiu did not desire to draw attention to himself so chose to walk through the town to the peaks that suddenly showed how tall they were just as Shen Jiu was about to hike up the same floor that now revealed as close to being a wall. Ugh.

Shen Jiu just saw the figure of Liu Qingge looking down on him with a scowl despite it not being meant for Shen Jiu -or at least it shouldn't be with what he promised Hua Lei. Shen Jiu hated liars.

Shen Jiu had to mount his sword as he saw Liu Qingge leave the area. It truly was a cruel endeavour to be beside someone who held no knowledge as if it was the deadliest knowledge of all.

Shen Jiu sighed as he saw the common scenery of trees flowing in the wind whilst the day stretched in eternally -Shen Jiu could go faster however he did not desire to be upon his prison of a peak if it be not needed.

Then again, he could pretend existance not be there and simply be a nameless head disciple like so many others. Don't even mention the twelfth peak disciples only being given numbers as name under the claim of displaying your 'loyalty to secrets', Shen Jiu hated that peak above all.

The head disciple was a lively girl as well! She looked like she didn't know secrets even existed, and she was proclaimed the best option of the peak. How pathetic is that?

Shen Jiu wished to rest and yet he was soon called to the bamboo house before his Shizun, she probably knew already with her secret spies that were from the twelfth peak despite the disciples being nothing short of rubbish.

The walk that should be so much calmer than it was as Shen Jiu did not desire his Shizun take the head disciple role away from the scum who was walking across the floor.

He could get away with dying his robes to be far darker than noticeable for any teacher or student to see. Shizun raised her eyebrows but said nothing of the matter.

The bamboo forest was a much needed detour from the 'desired' location. Bamboo was a plant that was meant to be one of the fastest growing plants to ever exist and Shizun said the plant was located specifically on Qing Jing so that it could show the maturation of the disciples growing immensely day by day under the curriculum that allowed for exploration whilst praising those who grew straight up from the soil. Yet.

The steps Shen Jiu positioned himself to face a direction that looked better than it was, his shadow covering the crooked cultivation path as well as his desires to not be so close to the world known for its cruelty.

Shen Jiu found himself in front of the bamboo house much too quickly. It was nothing like how he thought he'd feel: acutely scared and in the desire to fight for his rights. He did not feel that at all.

The felt jittery with a shake within his body that appeared to not show upon the physical form he wore as a disguise of his honesty to cruelty that humans hid.

"Enter, disciple Shen Jiu." Shizun's voice called without aggression yet she most likely had been waiting for the foolish boy to come as shown by her clear acknowledgement of the boy who was standing frozen in front of the door to the bamboo house.

"You have been going to a brothel for a while." She did not say the words as a question from her to e that was more dead than his attempted polite voice despite sounding much kinder.

"Yes." Shen Jiu bowed his head whilst holding his fist to his palm in respect before sitting before the woman whilst on the floor.

"Why?" She turned to face him completely and Shen Jiu felt true fear throughout his body as it snuck up like vines within his body -her face while not looking down was mortifing to see. No wonder children were afraid of her.

"I consider a boy there to be my friend." Shen Jiu lowered his head.

"I'm surprised at that, yet sense no dishonesty from you. You aren't one to willingly even step two feet within the area of another boy, I wonder why."

"Hua Lei is different. He is unable to speak due to past experiences with an obsessive man whom I saw. He is… kind. He let my head rest on his lap all throughout the night despite it being uncomfortable for him and he always has a smile on his face. He helps me a lot and I can say anything to him." Shen Jiu doesn't think he's ever said so much to his Shizun ever and it's clear that same thought is shared from the look upon his Shizun's face.

"… You aren't just using the not for your own enjoyment? The fact he can't speak doesn't make someone inherently better or worse, this Hua Lei of yours is not someone to be perfect just because you love him."

"I don't love him. I lust over him the same as all men do, but the boy is perfect to anyone who sees him." Shen Jiu didn't know why he said everything of that, but honesty was still his main value, so perhaps it still worked out in his favour.

"… This one not sure if that's better or worse." Shen Jiu just realised how informal Shizun had been speaking to refer to herself with a personal pronoun.

"Do you truly onely lust over him? The way disciple Shen spoke contrasted that statement immensely, speaking about how perfect someone is does imply things." Shen Jiu blushed at the response despite his attempts to hide it, beside the fact his Shizun only looked more set on the idea at the reaction.

"It's nothing like that!" Shen Jiu did not deserve to desire someone in such a shameless and childish way. Love was designed by those who did not want to be sent into an arranged marriage and think that girls and men could desire eachother more than what the person would do for them.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was bored.

His life as a Courtesean was rather boring when the same kinds of customers would come with the same intentions and he's desires fell within the status quo of normality.

Xizhi-lang was the only break to the the world that felt so plain and wrong for himself to remain in. He felt a jitter within him that never seized but he was sleeping so scheduled that he was left unable to spend any free time to harm a piece of himself and it heal for his body to be unblemished the next day.

And now, he had Xizhi-lang's scales within his hand. They were mainly green however when light hit the side of them, they would shift into a more yellowish tone that contrasted the deep darkness of the hair that would never be clean due to the slime released from the form. 

Xizhi-lang had his positives and negatives that someone allowed for Hua Lei to exist within his imperfections that he had to hide. Being a Huli Jing, although would not make him undesirable, he would never be seen as someone below another -something that felt better than any deviation.

"A-Lei, do you care for me?" Xizhi-lang's voice was raspy and certain vowels were elongated as well as his difficulty to properly pronounce constants without an 's' sound. …What a silly question from someone who he cared above a lot of people.

Hua Lei nodded and rested himself on his hand. Xizhi-lang bent his large slithering form lower so that his seemingly small human hands could hold the tea cup.

His large mix between a human face and a lizard one with large but crooked and irregular teeth attempting to not dent or break Hua Lei's cup reserved for customers he actually liked.

Xizhi-lang looked strange -more than his appearance. He looked conflicted throughout those inhuman features adorning thar face in an attempt to find a stable emotion.

Hua Lei didn't believe in the classifications of emotions. Humans were much too complex to simply separate into things that did not express the true emotions. Metaphors were honestly much better as an act to display how one truly feels without denying one or another when all emotions are felt differently from one person to another.

Hua Lei just didn't believe in classification when he was raised in earth, the cultivation world, an ideal cult and both heavenly realm and Ghost city yet experienced the same emotions without fail due to species and was only shared because he shared his soul throughout those lives.

Hua Lei looked in Xizhi-lang's eyes. He was looking for dishonesty but Hua Lei rejected it with an honest smile and the sweetest personality that he owned -because personality depended on whom you were with. One is unlikely to act with the same display to one's friend and foe.

Hua Lei liked his friends.

Hua Lei liked Shen Jiu despite the annoyance that could come towards the Courtesean out of his behaviour. Shen Jiu was kind and cruel but there was a truth within those actions between the beginning and end due to relationships changing, Hua Lei didn't mind the change.

Shen Jiu could be a friend or foe and Hua Lei would be content to see his old friend.

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was bored.

Niu-Jie was the sister of the madam and so would come every so often but did not live amongst the courteseans. The madam cared for her elder sister who was separated from youth -around fifteen.

Hua Lei believed that was the main reason that Niu-Jie was so caring towards Hua Lei especially and would always try to include him despite Hua Lei commonly showing his introverted personality, she would just claim him to be shy in addition to being mute.

The two concepts were very different, no matter how the two were placed together. A shy person was someone who had a small fear towards interaction with the other person's perspective was shown to be the most important. An introverted person was someone who valued themselves and their energy levels that would drain with others, yet the two were not mutually exclusive and commonly went hand in hand.

Hua Lei still was glad towards Niu-Jie, especially compared to Wen Chunhua. Surprisingly, Someone is not going to think fondly about someone who seems to place themselves in a parental role when they don't place the full characteristics of a parent.

Hua Lei knew that Wen Chunhua was grieving her children, specifically her daughter who's name she would call Hua Lei at night when she would sometimes come into his room, without the permission that should have to be given to her.

Hua Lei did not wish to be a replacement for another. He already was in his past life when that man attempted to replace Shen Qingqiu with someone who would obey even if out of fear.

Hua Lei smiled without any true joy as there was instead sorrow cast its shadow upon his once golden eyes that now looked a common brown. Though he had to shift the expression as he faced Niu-Jie.

Shen Jiu would have done much better of an expression when Hua Lei felt the strain upon his face. Niu-Jie looked rather suspicious but said nothing as she instead patted Hua Lei's head.

Hua Lei both wanted that reaction and did not. There was a conflict within the veins that made his body -a conflict claiming both her doing something so small as she just showed, but there was a desire to express the feelings tainted within his chest.

Niu-Jie was his only Jiejie who he considered as such when he was neutral on most Courtesans and Wen Chunhua whilst considering Zheng Meili to be his Shifu in a way when she allowed perspectives to fall within his grasp.

Niu-Jie, who's hands had stopped patting and instead chose to stroke his hair as he has not chosen a hairstyle for the day. Hua Lei wanted to be an In-between of the extravagant and common nature of himself and so had little variety for his colourful robes, let alone his hair. 

He was still in his inner robes whilst Niu-Jie was just wordlessly caring for him. Suddenly, Wen Chunhua burst in with a scared look before relaxing when she saw Hua Lei.

"Oh, there you are my white lotus." She approached Hua Lei with a more relaxed posture that was almost never seen from the lily of the warm red pavillion who was the most noble and educated woman within the garden of the infinite species of beautiful flora.

"You weren't outside your door, nor were you downstairs so I got worried a-Lei." Wen Chunhua sat on the other side of Niu-Jie to simply sit beside the young boy who had the blankest face in the world and he knew it.

He placed no emotion upon his features that could be very expressive when used yet now, not even a small attempt of a smile acted to distract others and make him less inhuman -looking human was better than looking ethereal… less questions.

Then again, it seemed Hua Lei would never avoid the attention of others, not like he cared massively. He had grown used to it from his second life to his now forth one.

Hua Lei was the best in appearance despite his secluded personality and preference to be by himself despite the fact there weren't any new books here that would not pull upon his moral compass. Apparently, even he had been written about.

It's not like Hua Lei was not interested, but he didn't particularly want to deal with the thoughts of reading another book about it after the regrets of chrisanthemum caused… a great difference past from that moment with Luo Binghe.

Besides, he couldn't focus when he heard rain begin to fall from outside his window.

"No!" Niu-Jie spoke with authority as soon as she saw how Hua Lei straightened up and looked straight at the window as rain began to pour down heavily.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu could not handle more than a week without the brothel and it showed.

He believed that he could last at least a month to stop his Shizun's attention being pinpointed on his but he had sadly grown far too dependent on that warm that exuded off of Hua Lei despite the neverending rain that made everything cold.

Perhaps that was another reason why; people crave what they lack in the moment even when it's easier to commit at the moment. Then again, no one would notice.

The thought made him instantly slip from the room that had kept him caged from his true home and instantly began to descend the mountain, his sword was kept within its sheath but still there.

Shen Jiu hated the rain for its cruelty to make Shen Jiu wet. The rain would cause his hair to look greasy due to the oil he already used in combination to the water that would drip and separate the hair into uneven chunks causing a bit of anger from Shen Jiu, but the anger was certainly understandable. Mostly? It was still rain.

Needless to say, Shen Jiu wanted to leave the onslaught of water and return to the brothel. The inanimate rainfall was a reminder of when he lived on the streets. A reminder of the child dead.

But he stumbled through into the brothel with an all to pleased face from being away from the asshole rain that near killed him and left him never wanting to see another drop ever.

Shen Jiu looked around the enterance and open ground floor that had the orange light from candles cascading everywhere. The light showed a figure pouting.

Hua Lei looked annoyed and had his features pulled to form the sweetest of sour expressions with his eyebrows furrowed and lips pursed that only highlighted his beauty even when angry -something that Shen Jiu would never look good in until his features matured.

Part of Shen Jiu wondered if Hua Lei would have an ugly face. Part of him desired to see such, even when it would leave him without anyone to pay for his service (Shen Jiu would prefer that so it didn't count as a negative) and couldn't leave.

Shen Jiu realised he was staring when the woman who was rarely there but sang well came with Wen Chunhua beside her. "Hello, A-Jiu. Don't mind Xiao-Yuan, he is just sad because he wants to go outside, claiming a love of the rain."

Shen Jiu looked back at Wen Chunhua who had spoken so plainly whilst her gaze expressed her true opinions through those common eyes now filled with adoration towards the young boy who turned his back towards the three now standing there.

"Just because I won't allow him outside?" The currently unnamed woman spoke with a tone that sounded a bit like an older sister who was blood related and cared for her siblings despite being stern.

"A-Jiu knows how he could buy Hua Lei for the night to allow him in the rain where he so desperately desires to be~" ... Wen Chunhua was clearly trying to seem cool and accepting to Hua Lei.

Still Shen Jiu obliged with the woman glaring at him whilst accepting the money for Hua Lei to go outside for the rain, it seemed to make Hua Lei remember he existed as he began to bounce around Shen Jiu. 

"You must wear a yellow sash!" Hua Lei's robes currently didn't have a yellow sash within despite the colour simply just being a colour that should hold nothing more than it's existence.

"We all have to wear one outside as a mark of our profession." Shen Jiu disliked that statement from Wen Chunhua due to the abuse one could face if people thought they could use someone as desired because they had already fallen.

Hua Lei came down in rather common robes made of cotton and boots that could protect him and his hair pulled into a high ponytail that showed his long jade neck that was rather tempting for a man, such as Shen Jiu.

He acknowledged it at least. It meant no harm when every mab thought about the same thing: what others could do for the person themselves despite the fact the person was as such, not an object.

Hua Lei could be possessed for a short time in a day, but wasn't a possession. He was simply a Courtesean with no feelings other than boredom. Or excitement. Or simple pleasure. Or sorrow.

Okay, Hua Lei was an entire orchestra made of different instruments with different timbre.

"Ready to go, Lei-di…?" 

Hua Lei nodded as the two stepped outside with Hua Lei smiling as bright as when Zhushi-lang was there and speaking with the Courtesean.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu didn't mind the rain.

The Courtesean by his side no longer had that blank smile but instead his golden eyes were wide and replaced the expression so common to the point it meant nothing about Hua Lei's emotions in any way shape or form.

It was sweet to see Hua Lei's face when there was as little disguise as possible, despite everyone always keeping some secrets within.

Hua Lei grabbed Shen Jiu's hand as the two ran into the rain. Shen Jiu was a bit surprised at the action despite the lov- lust he still felt for the moment to exist when Hua Lei released his hand to twirl with open arms in the rain.

Hua Lei turned to Shen Jiu with the brightest smile with his eyes creating Cresent moons to show the bright moon, but Hua Lei saw his expressions and suddenly looked shy before pulling out a Qiankun with a red umbrella with the same shade of red in the tassels.

Hua Lei placed it above Shen Jiu's head until the boy snapped out of the art before him and took the umbrella in hand. Hua Lei ran off with a giggle.

Shen Jiu ran to catch him. The boy had to turn at corners until he created a full circle and stretched off of the path used by the many to try find Hua Lei -he doubted Hua Lei running off.

Shen Jiu felt a growing fear when Hua Lei could not be seen and took Xiu Ya from its sheath and stepped upon it to try find the sly Courtesean in the air so he could go there directly instead of getting lost.

And then Shen Jiu found him. Hua Lei was standing beside a Wutong tree that'd grown into being a parasol with the ability be used despite Hua Lei not using it as such.

Shen Jiu flee down and saw the peaceful expression of Hua Lei where nothing looked real yet still true. The boy looked free from the sun placed by others on his body. Pure.

Hua Lei's heart was pure as shown again and time again despite how Shen Jiu used to regard and treat him with the hatred he felt for men despite this being no man and instead a gentle smile.

Shen Jiu watched as the anxiety and anger falling over his face fell when he saw Hua Lei's eyes as he opened them for the rain to display itself in droplets that served to be illuminated by the silver glow of the moon.

Shen Jiu came closer, and in a moment of lust, hugged the boy. Physical interaction was the one thing that Hua Lei was frequent to do so despite Shen Jiu's usual inability to be that shameless.

But he could do it now.

His Hua Lei let his arm press tight around Shen Jiu -who went for an underarm hug but now felt the imbalance of Hua Lei standing on his tippy toes. Cute.

Shen Jiu would never be immune to such beauty despite spending almost all his time with the fair Hua Lei.

"Let's go. It's getting even more heavy." Shen Jiu asked whilst releasing the hug but taking Hua Lei into his hands with as much sweetness his sor form could reveal to the boy.

"No. Let me have five minutes more." Hua Lei spoke… in a gentle tone as the whispering went straight into his ears and reached his cheeks as blush.

"Shen Jiu. You do know what Hua Lei is?" He heard his Shizun's voice with a questioning tone and a bit of confusion that was rarely shown by his Shizun.

Shen Jiu because straight as he turned to fave his Shizun who's eyes never fell Hua Lei with a dangerous flint in her eyes that was shown only in the calm before the storm.

"Disciple Shen Jiu should get his things before we go."

Shen Jiu couldn't dissobey and instead looked at Hua Lei before heading towards the brothel to collect his wet robes that had been changed so as to dry.

The walk didn't feel at all as good compared to with Hua Lei, but it was still sweet to see such an expression -enough to make the cold weather a bit warmer and more like the home he never had.

Shen Jiu returned to the brothel where Wen Chunhua had a look of mischief as she passed a yellow book towards Shen Jiu. Obviously Shen Jiu freaked out.

"Don't worry, it's only about Hua Lei." Wen Chunhua then slowly turned and ascended the stairs so that Shen Jiu couldn't return it to her…

It could not hurt… could it now.

Shen Jiu stuffed it into a bag on his side before he lowered the given umbrella and looked at the elegant design of the structure and small tassels that were able to flow in the wind.

Shen Jiu returned to the scene bag in hand as the two strange people looked content and happy with a bit of slyness in Hua Lei's eyes to make him look so very attractive -he fit being a scholar if hadn't been ruined by his profession.

His Shizun's robes were ruined by the now soft rain as the past onslaught of water from the sky had ruined those beautiful and expensive robes.

"Shall we go Disciple Shen Jiu? Though I must return to speak about Shen Jiu's Hua Lei and the… nature of him."

Shen Jiu nodded as he held in the urge to scream about Hua Lei's purity despite the profession as a Courtesean, it was not Hua Lei's choice when he was no doubt either sold or kidnapped.

"Goodbye, Hua Lei or shall I call you by another?" Hua Lei giggled before waving the two off despite his eye being on Shen Jiu only.

Shen Jiu smiled as he hopped on his sword to leave just as the rain disappeared.

Chapter Text

Dai Anyu liked Shen Jiu.

He was a strange boy but worked hard -which is why she appointed him as the Head Disciple of Qing Jing Peak. The boy was… barely there though and she had confirmed that he had just gone down to the brothel once more despite it only having been a week since his last visit.

The boy was clearly obsessed with that Hua Lei. The boy had spoken more that ever and it was only to speak about the so called perfect boy that in truth was just a beacon for fantasies to be placed upon him due to the mystery of not speaking. Foolish.

Dai Anyu had only ever fallen for one. The Bai Zhan Peak Lord was perfect. With golden curly hair that growed lighter still from the golden rays of the sun always cast on her. Though her hair had recently been cut by a monster, she still was the most beautiful woman on the earth… the only one she would physically react to.

Dai Anyu wasn't usually one to react despite not wanting to be seen as a cold person. She didn't wish to be as strict, as she was when her mind was commonly thinking about the stories she read -and how she would live as those foolish main characters who came to exist in that beautiful creation.

Dai Anyu also wrote, though If it was even acceptable, she hadn't the faintest idea. She enjoyed the praise of it but would never take it to heart, she would be much too vain if so, and vanity was the most hideous thing.

Dai Anyu wondered if Fang Anlian would mind her (near constant) feelings she kept be released. Dai Anyu hoped not. The Qing Jing Peak Lord desired to see the woman of her dreams in her bed and left in her own robes that would be oversized on her smaller body as the two cuddled together and were awake but still in the silence of a warm summer morning.

Dai Anyu felt her heart stretch in the love she felt and pulled against her chest in an attempt to soothe that feeling of her lover still caring for her.

She really loved Fang Anlian, there was no other way to describe it when the woman was kind but rather extroverted despite their many similarities that they would share. They both loved reading. But Fang Anlian preferred cut sleeves with heart demons and Dai Anyu preferred any character who didn't feel quite human.

Both were rather odd amongst the other ten Peak Lords who acted for their own benefit most of the time and would look at the two strangely, though Dai Anyu heard more whispers about herself and of higher calibre of insults as Bai Zhan was commonly accepted to be peculiar to others.

But Dai Anyu could only show the best of herself, or at least the most fitting to the person she interacted with. Fang Anlian could let her show a bit more of her irregularity. Not all, just more.

It was a comfort.

Oh. Yeah! Dai Anyu had to get Shen Jiu. She hadn't the faintest idea how she got so sidetracked to forget her disciple was now gone. Dai Anyu fixed her expression.

The tall woman rode upon her thin sword as the gentle rain became heavy -not that she minded of course as rain was truly beneficial to the plants and therefore life, but it was rather annoying when one needed precision on a deadly but thin blade.

Dai Anyu found two figures outside as she descended near the town. One was Shen Jiu and the other was… a Huli Jing?

"Let's go. It's getting even more heavy." Shen Jiu spoke to the boy that he had just been hugging with a sweetness lacing that usually cruel voice and Dai Anyu only could think of how this Hua Lei could be placing a spell over Shen Jiu.

A Huli Jings had the ability to paint perspectives of others to match their usual selfish desires at free will and usually made the other fall into a deep obsession with the fox creature disguising itself as a simple Courtesean.

One thing Shen Jiu did not mention of his Hua Lei was their beauty with Rosey lips and long hair that looked like it belonged to a fox as another sign of the boy's heritage.

"Shen Jiu. You do know what Hua Lei is?" He should know that the boy he claims to lust (read: love) could be nothing more than an illusion that benefited the Huli Jing.

Shen Jiu looked scared for the fox, she could see that from the corner of her eyes and with the Huli Jing looking at the woman with a blank face and a simple stance that created a sense of ethereal beauty that was untouchable.

Shit. Shen Jiu was looking dead at Dai Anyu and the Huli Jing revealed its form with a small fanged smile and a silver butterfly cast over his eye so as to draw even more attention to himself than his already striking ears and tails 

Therain making him look even more like a cause of despair for others.

"Disciple Shen Jiu should get his things before we go." Shen Jiu couldn't dissobey and instead looked at the being who had shifted back immediately before heading back towards the brothel to collect his things.

He was clearly unhappy to be in the rain despite the clearly foreign umbrella that fitted the Huli Jing much more and Dai Anyu turned to the Fox who had come just below her head and with his features revealed.

"You're a Huli Jing. Don't you dare think you can manipulate Shen Jiu or I will kill both of you." It was true that if the boy would only obsess over the boy, then he served no use to a peak of strategists and the boy would never wish to fall out of favour so death would be the best option for all.

The thing nodded and instead took a few steps back. Wait… a silent Huli Jing of impeccable morals (for an inhuman creature) and a pretty face. The Silent Song Of Death?

There had been less information about the creature except he had lived in both Ghost city and the Heavenly Realm. If that were so, Shen Jiu could gain power from the so called 'most innocent Ghost King ' since he was clearly In love with Hua Lei.

Shen Jiu arrived coming over the hill. 

"Shall we go Disciple Shen Jiu? Though I must return to speak about Shen Jiu's Hua Lei and the… nature of him."

Shen Jiu looked like he would scream despite the intention to be of Hua Lei's species and the power he could be using against her head disciple. 

"Goodbye, Hua Lei or shall I call you by another?" Hua Lei giggled before waving the two off despite his eye being on Shen Jiu only.

Dai Anyu hoped Hua Lei cared enough about Shen Jiu.

Chapter Text

Dai Anyu sat before Hua Lei.

Otherwise known as The Silent Song Of Death -a Ghost King that was no ghost and was instead a Huli Jing of great power and knowledge whilst being noble enough to have reports from the Heavenly Realm of his presence. Though Dai Anyu suspected it was from the rumours of his family.

Some Gods even demanded that the Huli Jing have statues beside themselves, as if he were a wife to them. Despite the boys current profession, Dai Anyu believed that it was the god themselves wgi was growing to be shameless and desire a relationship with the boy.

It strangely fit with the mould that she had seen.

The boy didn't act shameful or teasing -at least not from those eyes- and instead just was a rather beautiful boy who happened to go through quite a few unfortunately implied encounters with everything he touched as shown by the tea he was currently drinking.

He had a pink tongue that was kicking his lips in response to the highly sweet tea. Not to mention the day Shen Jiu rested on his lap.

That was a disaster that Dai Anyu could very much Invision it to be a difficult event for Shen Jiu, a boy who rarely shared his feelings and kept them bottled up. If must be easy to burst. 

Luckily. The boy was not at all lecherous and there had been no incident that she heard of despite the fact Hua Lei's most likely stumbles after his legs had so much weight cast upon them without rest in the night.

 Dai Anyu sipped her tea before placing a… metal collar around his neck. 

The boy froze and his face shifted as the began to claw at his neck whilst the collar was barely scratched, his neck became red from the rubbing and scratching to draw blood.

"No. No no. My dear, you should not do such a thing!" Dai Anyu moved her hands immediately to cover the boys neck from more damage only to find the boy experiencing more anguish.

"I'll take it off now, I promise my dear, just don't attempt such a horrible thing ever again, I e should never hurt oneself I'm such a cruel manner.

The boy drilled as she undid the talisman attached. The devise was supposed to force the truth out of another so as to assure the other as honest. 

Dai Anyu wasn't sure what to do now, Hua Lei certainly had experienced quite a lot for that sort of reaction, but to believe that a child was able to rip their own flesh apart to be in control of yourself did imply certain things about one's life.

 Dai Anyu sighed, this would be a difficult endeavour.

"I need your honesty, but I must have a means to know you are telling the full truth." Dai Anyu glanced at the boy who looked away and began to move his hands until a sigil formed, one that had a symbol of a balancing scale of truths and lies.

"I … I've never seen such a thing. How does one cultivate that?" Dai Anyu asked with genuine intrigue towards the strange sigil that was so very foreign from the world she knew.

"It's n-not a culllt… cultivation technique. It is… one of the spells I knew from my past life." There was reluctance in the words said yet the scale tipped twice towards honesty.

"Past life? I doubt that Your parents, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng caused your heart demons, so your past life must have been bad. Why?"

There was hesitation for this question. "This one, sadly, disliked the Sect Leader from my past life due to his… hatred shifting to obsession when his past beloved kept rejecting him."

"Our sect leader?"

"The last ever Sect Leader of your mountains to exist."

"When will that be?"

"Between now and the merging of the two realms."

"… But that will…"

"The demon emperor was either loved or despised, with no other choice of feelings."

"We will lose the battle against Tianlang-Jun?"

"The one I speak of is the descendent of my current friend."

"You're friends with Tianlang-Jun?! But he is a despicable and violent demon, and a heavenly one at that!"

"He is , at most, an inappropriate joker who has no idea how to keep thoughts as thoughts and an insatiable love for another head disciple of a different sect."

Dai Anyu felt that to be the largest lie to ever exist, yet when she peeped at the scale, all that was there was honesty with not a single point tiling to false.

The fact of Tianlang-Jun, the demonic emperor being anything other than the worst demon was incomprehensible when he had so much power, but to fall for a cultivator was a strange thing to consider when one had to think of the acceptance from that disciple.

"I …will leave you be. Thank you, I accept of you and Shen Jiu's… companionship but please consider his feelings."

The boy tilted his head but Dai Anyu really needed to leave now.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu came two days after.

His Shizun had a very long lecture about sharing one's feelings as well as proper courtship advice that she spoke of but then muttered how Hua Lei might not understand. The woman seemed rather set on the two.

It was a peculiar sight but his Shizun claimed how Hua Lei was naive but said it both as if she wanted Shen Jiu to use that fact for his own feelings of lust as well as the complete opposite -to protect him.

Shen Jiu didn't care either way, it would never change how he acted because of something as pathetic as lusting over another. Pathetic.

Shen Jiu was sitting beside Hua Lei who was getting ready for the day with Shen Jiu who helped him choose a more expensive robes and his hairstyle that would no doubt make it difficult to undo by himself.

Hua Lei signed to him.Placin his open hand in front of his dazzling pretty face then pulling it down toward his soft chin while closing his long fingers with painted nails together, accompanied by closing his eyes to display his perfectly curved and long eyelashes.

He then made a circular movement indicating a full cycle of the sun or emphasizing the entire day before forming a gesture involves raising shoulders, turning palms upward, and shaking his head slightly. And then, he made a motion of brushing away.

'why can't I sleep all day?'

Shen Jiu chuckled at the small comment made by the boy who looked five seconds away from giving up and collapsing onto the floor. It was rather cute to see his expression -with closed eyes, furrowed eyebrows and a pout pulling upon his Rosey lips- that Shen Jiu could simply stare at forever.

"Probably because you have work to do. Although my Shizun have me enough money to purchase you for the entire day and said that she could do it again tomorrow. The woman's gone quite mad."

Hua Lei giggled but looked much more relaxed, but the truth was of Shen Jiu not knowing he was tense in the first place.

Hua Lei smiled as he came closer and then sat in Shen Jiu's lap from where he had been sitting on Hua Lei's perfect bed, the weight caused him to slowly lower his back until Hua Lei was just resting on top him.

Shen Jiu felt as if this was a punishment for sleeping on Hua Lei's lap however this felt…nice due to the smile that Shen Jiu could very visibly see. 

Not to mention how Hua Lei barely weighed anything compared to the boy who -in comparison to his past- are more than necessary and grew in strength from training whenever he was actually on Qing Jing instead of the brothel that His Shizun seemed to randomly approve of suddenly.

Shen Jiu soon saw Hua Lei's eyes be closed and a gentle rhythm of the rise and fall of the two's chests and breathing. It was cute.

Hua Lei looked ever so beautiful with his hair forming a lot of stray hairs through the tossing and turning of his head through the slumber. As well as Hua Lei's waist being between Shen Jiu's hands.

Shen Jiu considered himself as a man with impulse control but found himself to be fully captivated by the side being done small and Shen Jiu accidentally placed his hands on another place (although this one was round) when trying to avoid the previous.

Shen Jiu simply raised his hands and was left unable to do anything without his hands. However, Shen Jiu saw Hua Lei look quite a bit displeased at the open air touching him and Shen Jiu allowed his arms to fall around Hua Lei's torso.

It was so strange for a feeling of sweetness when Shen Jiu smelt his hair, which smelt off of a lotus as well as a rose, both forming such a beautiful scent that felt fresh and formed another desire, though this one was to remain in Hua Lei's grasp spas to smell it once more.

Shen Jiu lusted even harder.

Chapter Text

Shen Jiu found the day to be pleasantly passing by him.

He had read the… book about Hua Lei with a surprisingly expressive face. It was, in fact, a yellow book that hadn't the faintest idea of what shame could even be. Shizun passed by him a few times that day and once very clearly saw it to be a yellow book and so looked at Shen Jiu with an amused smile.

Apparently, Hua Lei made a lot of noise in… in the night. As well as being rather eager for it to begin, as many chapters spoke of -with Hua Lei being the one to come close and rest his arms around the others shoulders as if he was a succubus successfully luring all the men towards him.

Shen Jiu could never believe such a thing… until he started to imagine it. Hua Lei enjoyed hugging that man, Zhushi-lang, at least from what Shen Jiu had been seen every. Single. Time. He visited Hua Lei.

Zhushi-lang caused the darkness within Shen Jiu's being to grow.

The dark vision that he would see through faded away until the golden light cascaded through the curtains and allowed for a beautiful vision of Hua Lei -who was still stretched out as he deserved to be.

Hua Lei's actions liked like a tired fox that he once saw resting on a blanket when Shen Jiu loved on the streets. Shen Jiu was the one who beat the thing as it had flees.

They had to get rid of that blanket when they saw a black speck moving; that day was eternally cold and the two who were together had to huddle as close as they could do as it avoid the winter night.

Shen Jiu barely remembered those days. Not when he was next to Hua Lei at least -the boy made him actually think of the future separate from just survival and spite. Whilst both still motivated him, there was a softness that Hua Lei could hold instead of the dagger that cut all others, almost as if he could control Shen Jiu.

Hua Lei yawned, his mouth lightly open as he pressed his hand to it -not that it hid much towards Shen Jiu. Above him, the golden light of the setting sun began to fade, gradually transitioning into a shade of blue. 

At that moment, however, the sky took on a hue to reflect upon Qing Jing, appearing more green than anything else. It was a peculiar sight, one that Shen Jiu felt belonged to anywhere else then beside the perfect Hua Lei.

As he sat there, Shen u couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. The two had done nothing, yet the time had passed so quick and Shen Jiu still wanted more time beside Hua Lei and to be the bed for him to rest upon.

Yet, Hua Lei arose so that he could brush his hair. Shen Jiu walked closer so that he could take out the two silk ribbons and the pin from his hair. Shen Jiu acknowledged the fact that he should probably go soon, despite the fact his Shizun seemed strangely fine with the fact of Shen Jiu being missing so that he could be with Hua Lei despite her original concern for Shen Jiu.

Hua Lei brushed his hair gently whilst starting from the bottom, the brush caught on the many knots caused from the elegant hairstyle. However beautiful it was, Shen Jiu could see how difficult it was to wear such a hairstyle and vowed to himself that he would never go with something do difficult.

It took a while. When Hua Lei was done he ran his fingers through the strands of silk that had grown to be so beautiful. His lover was everything…

…Lover?

I… love you?

That was impossible. Shen Jiu was a rational person. Love was a lie fed to children. It wasn't true... W-wasn't it. 

Shen Jiu did believe that he would do a lot for Hua Lei, more than he'd do for anyone else, but there were still boundaries. 

…But wasn't love an equally respectful relationship? Wasn't it something that Shen Jiu could feel. Sure, his heart beat faster around Hua Lei, but it always had from the hatred he once felt combined with fear, but those kinds of feelings were never ever brought up again for Hua Lei.

Shen Jiu sighed as he considered it in honest.

Hua Lei was kind, but Shen Jiu was a monster, perhaps Shen Jiu was only feeding upon Hua Lei's kindness that was what made them incompatible. What if Shen Jiu were to bring Hua Lei into an aware state so that he could see his cruelty.

But… Hua Lei was happy to see Shen Jiu, who would never trust another male. This boy was so happy and quick to make others like that.

Shen Jiu came closer to Hua Lei, and simply hugged the boy. The boy smiled as he reciprocated although Hua Lei appeared to get bored and so lifted his legs from the floor and above Shen Jiu's hips.

Hua Lei let his eyelashes blink against Shen Jiu's cheek. The butterfly kiss was as gentle as Hua Lei always was and confirmed Shen Jiu's honest feelings towards Hua Lei.

Shen Jiu was head over heals in love with the strange boy who was unable to speak yet would always act so perfect and scholarly that he was comparable to even Shen Jiu's Shizun through grace.

Hua Lei could do anything while Shen Jiu could barely do anything. Shen Jiu considered the possibility of simply stealing all of Hua Lei's time so that the little Didi could teach his Gege without forcing embarrassment from others watching the two in their lessons -Shen Jiu was sure that Hua Lei would oblige.

Shen Jiu didn't know what to feel as he ascended the mountain. Being escorted out of the brothel and the city felt like a blur when Shen Jiu could only admit that Hua Lei was the person the fool loved.

Shen Jiu felt a bit peculiar, as if his flesh was trying to stretch out to reach Hua Lei whilst his heart caved in on itself due to keep any air that Hua Lei breathed from the past and keep it trapped forever.

Shen Jiu disliked ascending the mountain as Qing Jing was so close to he journey and detour that Shen Jiu toon that his heart beat fast despite not even being there.

Shizun was waiting for him whilst yawning and gazing towards the direction of Bai Zhan, it had been a long time (a month) without any battles between the two peaks.

"Shizun, I may be in love."

Chapter Text

Hua Lei was beyond bored.

He had managed to convince Shen Jiu to not come back due to the lessons he was missing -the boy was acting rather strangely as he just kept on being silent and zoning out- however aware the boy was, he should be true to his word.

However much Hua Lei liked spending time with his friend, he did worry about Shen Jiu and his education. The boy seemed to miss so many lessons, but his Shizun never came again past the questioning that felt a bit peculiar to experience with full honesty.

Hua Lei wasn't sure how he felt about the woman... she was clearly smart but strange.

Ughhhh…! 

He was so very bored!

Hua Lei decided to be a tad irregular and used a spell from his last life to create a copy. The clone was supposed to follow the orders given till the end of its being, but knew the personality it should best adopt -which proved to be more difficult for a greater argumentative person.

"You shall simply do the work I do for today."

Hua Lei cast an illusion to hide himself before jumping out of his window and jumping to the other side of the street's roof. The clone bowed as it changed into new robes with a small smile pressing against its lips.

Hua Lei considered his truth of being and decided that he had been to docile despite being a Ghost King (his parents would probably find out that he would be more violent today, but he didn't care), A ghost King was known for their cruelties.

And so he travelled to a different town. The road was rough and cold compared to that of the brothel… he'd forgotten to change.

That was why the clone changed out, he had forgotten when he was thinking about what he could do with his free time instead of the reality of his being.

So there he was, in his inner robes that were pink and engraved, whilst still being modest. The robes would flow the same way his dance clothes would instead of a more common material -elegant and beautiful, but would cause a focus on his figure. Hua Lei sighed as he pulled his veil out of his Qiankun bag.

The veil also had a pink hue, and so could at least be more matching, but his hair was free and flowing as well. This world be so ANNOYING! UGHHHH.

He couldn't handle so much attention, a d for he was currently would draw a lot of attention, at least he could form havock for all to remember.

He entered the village with his ears and tails visible, there were a few looks at him but no one looked to have fear in their eyes. That was until a man grabbed his wrist.

"Aren't you a beauty, but pretending to be the peaceful Ghost King is too much, innocence and playful pretend is cute in moderation, but this is too much, unless you want a man to take you in broad daylight as a fantasy."

Hua Lei hated the germs that the man who was holding his wrists but kept his smile despite no one seeing him. All he allowed himself to do was to giggle as he cast an illusion to fade whilst the eyes that glanced at the scene were still looking.

That night…

He came to the man's house.

Hua Lei let himself in and headed towards the man's room that was too clean for his dirty mind and hands that were more deserving of a slum instead.

The man was sleeping like a dog and Hua Lei pushed the vile man off the bed, where the mutt belonged.

"Wha!? Ugh, you? Wanna fu-" Hua Lei kicked the man in the mouth before using his magic to move the man, only for the ghost version of the system came. Ming Yue looked just as inhuman as always.

"Allow me, master Hua." The system was on her knees as she looked so sweet. Hua Lei let his tails swish in joy due to the use of the system being shown.

Hua lei giggled as he sat down on a seat and leaned upon his arm to see the system working: She would use claws to make the man into ribbons as screams came and would not stop until his organs fell from within.

The blood was far too bright for his dark soul that would no doubt be filled with enough resentment to become a ghost fire, but Hua Lei would force him to be his follower.

And just as that was thought, a green light came from below.

"Tell me your name, servant." Hua Lei spoke for once and The system for some reason fell to kneel again. The fire flickered and began to make a sound of hatred but remained silent otherwise.

"This devoted follower knows his name to be Xue Yongnian. As the God of reincarnation, I will keep him away from being reborn so that you may have a loyal servant."

The fire came close and rose to be beside Hua Lei's face. "You're the real Silent Song Of Death? I didn't know, this one will serve you eternally to make up for the sin that I have committed against you… master."

"Xue Yongnian may call me either Master or by my birth name Hua Lei." Hua Lei removed his veil and grinned with malicious intent as he walked towards the door and beckoned towards the ghost fire to follow.

"Master is a peerless beauty that this lowly one now realises is far too beautiful for me." Hua Lei hummed it acknowledgement but continued forward with the system still being close behind.

Hua Lei sat beside a river and then took in a deep breath before turning towards the two. "Why are you acting so strange, System?"

"This follower has been knowing if your power since your birth and your parents told me to keep an eye on you. To which I will oblige happily."

"Fine. But you must not enter my room, Xue Yongnian can until he could take form.

Chapter Text

Xue Yongnian didn't know how to react.

It was simply that morning that he met a cute boy and now he was dead and the boys servant despite being a simple ghost fire.

Sure, his new master was kinda cute and had large eyes with so much behind than that it drew the ghost fire in, but it was hardly anything anyone should die for when living a simple life as a farmer.

Xue Yongnian didn't like the people of the town who looked down on him when he provided the food. He turned to alcohol cause'f it.

People were shit and only cared for the food be brought in but would moan like they had to collect every grain of rice that filled their many sacks and they had to carry it from mountain to mountain without stopping.

Xue Yongnian just wanted to live a normal, peaceful life, but alcohol could free anyone of the abuse he so commonly faced. And it was cheap.

Xue Yongnian found himself looking at a boy yesterday who while cute looked like he was trying to hard, and giggled before disappearing whilst he simply believed it to be an illusion from the drinks.

Xue Yongnian was awake at night to see the boy again. He looked sweet still, but there was an air of hate that came off him like it was necessary. So he pretended to be asleep.

 Suddenly he was pushed off the bed

"Wha!? Ugh, you? Wanna fu-" the boy kicked the man in the mouth before his body was raised into the air like a doll despite this man not even being touching him.

A second figure came. This woman barely looked like she was alive, there was no way this bitch had a husband to make her at least try not to look scary.

"Allow me, master Hua." The woman was on her knees with her icey eyes looking at the figure above. The boy let his tails swish in joy… the tails, they were real.

The boy giggled as he sat down on a seat and leaned upon his arm to see the two with a grin that seemed strangely free of cruelty, but Xue Yongnian could suddenly feel pain.

Pain. This was no pain. This shit was agony. Slices came across his skin while to ribbons came off to let his blood crash out. He wanted to scream… but it was as if he possessed no mouth.

Xue Yongnian didn't wanna die. He wanted to live in a world that was decent, even if he never got praise, being free from the words would be nice, but this was too much.

It hurt. It STUNG. IT WAS CRUELER THAN ANY EXPERIENCE EVER. DEATH WOULD BE A MERCY. OH, PLEASE SILENT SONG OF DEATH, PLEASE BR MERCIFUL!

He felt his vision getting blurry and darkness cast over half his vision whilst he saw a grin upon his murderers face. Her ugly and horrifying face would be the final one he could see when he didn't want to see the Huli Jing's one where everything was covered.

And just as that was thought, he felt much smaller and more weak than his dying self.

"Tell me your name, servant." Hua Lei spoke for once and his murderer fell to her knees before the master she followed. Xue Yongnian didn't wanna be some servant to a tyrant who wouldn't even put the work in to kill someone, he heard himself crackling in response.

"This devoted follower knows his name to be Xue Yongnian. As the God of reincarnation, I will keep him away from being reborn so that you may have a loyal servant." What. The. Fuck? Why was the God of Reincarnation here as a slave to a Ghost King. This could possibly be beneficial to Xue Yongnian if he tried to behave.

He came close and rose to be beside the Huli Jing's face. "You're the real Silent Song Of Death? I didn't know, this one will serve you eternally to make up for the sin that I have committed against you… master."

"Xue Yongnian may call me either Master or by my birth name Hua Lei." His new master removed his veil and grinned with beauty that made Xue Yongnian nearly die again with lust die to those pearly teeth being impossible to look scary when smiling.

"Master is a peerless beauty that this lowly one now realises is far too beautiful for me." It was half a truth and half a flattery -Master Hua Lei was very pretty and caused lust, but he was not anything to die… again? Over.

Xue Yongnian moved with the other two people who were admittedly much more powerful and felt useless. He had little to offer to a God of Reincarnation who must really like this Hua Lei to stop a soul meant to reincarnate by killing him with her own hands.

Hua Lei sat beside a river and then took in a deep breath before turning towards the two. "Why are you acting so strange, System?" What a strange name.

"This follower has been knowing if your power since your birth and your parents told me to keep an eye on you. To which I will oblige happily." Do the God of Reincarnation owes his parents somehow? It felt like a difficult subject.

"Fine. But you must not enter my room, Xue Yongnian can until he could take form." Score. The boy was exceptionally cute and it was clear his body was no joke and without work to ruin it all, he could practically be a witness of every moment of his beauty.

┌── ⋆⋅𓃦⋅⋆ ──┐

The man's a fucking Courtesean.

He dressed it pretty silks and would tease men openly while acting silly, is what Xue Yongnian deducted the very next day.

How could this be his new master?